Women
Research undertaken by agencies ranging from the World Health Organisation, the Department of Health, Women’s Aid and the British Crime Survey have identified that at least 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some stage in their lives. However, less than half of those that suffer abuse from their partner or ex-partner report the abuse to the police.
The statistics, (recognising that domestic abuse is vastly underreported) tell us that the vast majority of people that experience abuse are women, and it is women who are most likely to experience repeat victimisation, further acts of violence and sexual abuse. Domestic abuse takes place regardless of age, status, class, income, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, sexuality disability or lifestyle.
Women from all walks of life experience abuse and don’t have much in common. It is often assumed that abused women are ‘doormat’ or are weak, but strong independent women can also suffer abuse. The majority of women who have successfully managed to escape a violent and abusive relationship are very careful to choose a different type of relationship the next time. Some may also choose to remain alone rather than risk a potentially violent and abusive relationship.
