12th August 2015
What do a 26-year-old Irish woman, a 46-year-old mother from central Somerset, and a woman from Trowbridge have in common? They all made the choice to come forward and speak out about the abuse they’ve been living with – some for over 20 years.
2nd July 2015
Not our words – but those of the police inspectorate. Today they published their inspection of the police response to child protection – and in the inspector’s own strong words:
8th June 2015
Anyone who’s worked with victims knows the situation. She’s sat in front of you, uncertain, nervous. You’re talking because she called the police last night after a violent incident with her ex. In the cold light of day, she’s not sure what to do – or even if it was right to call for help.
You give her plenty of time and space, working through her life story – but the questions you’re asking are hard. “Has he ever tried to strangle you?” “Has he threatened your kids?” “Do you feel safe?” From her answers it’s clear she’s in significant danger.
20th May 2015
Last night I watched India’s Daughter, Leslee Udwin’s film about the gang-rape of Jyoti Singh, a 23 year old student from Delhi. In December 2012 she was travelling home by bus after watching a film with a male friend. She was so brutally attacked that she died of her injuries two weeks later. Four men were sentenced to death for their part in her murder.
1st May 2015
We often wonder how those with a history of domestic abuse view the results of their behaviour – not least the damage they cause to both their partners and their children. This weekend, millions of people will watch the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather of course pled guilty to abusing his partner and mother of three of his children.