Hidden Crimes

The latest report by the Home Office reveals, once again, the unacceptable number of women who suffer domestic violence. The report shows 16 percent of all reported violent incidents in the UK are caused by sexual and violent abuse in the home.

Yet the abuse remains a ‘hidden crime', one which women suffer in silence, terrified that they will lose their homes, children or lives if they report it. Often the violence is repeated time and again; the report highlights the fact that one in four victims is attacked three or more times.

The government says it is ‘determined' to make it easier for victims to come forward and has promised to roll out a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors as part of a programme to help victims to access services.

Siobhan O'Connell has been to Birmingham to meet Joanne Miller, a survivor of domestic violence herself. She works for an organisation called WAITS Women Acting in Today's Society and supports women who want to escape from violent situations. She has also recently trained as a IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor). Joanne is often at the coalface, a first point of contact when a woman can bear the violence no more.

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