Domestic violence during pregnancy

'It took me a long time to realise that the abuse was not my fault, that I had the right to live a life free from violence, that there was help out there and that I wasn't alone.

'By chance, soon after the arrest, I saw a Refuge poster and called the national helpline. That was my first step to understanding that the abuse was not my fault.

'Even though I was at home at the time, and not at a refuge, I received support from the Refuge outreach team and I attended weekly support groups for three months.

'The team taught me that I was not responsible for Ronnie's behaviour - only he was. They helped me regain my self-esteem and helped me start to rebuild my life. Looking back my marriage seems like a bad dream. I know how lucky I am, and how lucky I am not to have been one of the two women who are killed every week in England and Wales.

'I hope that my story will give other women the strength to seek help and support and find out their options - it might just save their lives too.'

Every woman and child has the right to live a life free from violence. Help and support is available. In an emergency call 999 or call the 24 hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.refuge.org.uk to find out more.

Domestic violence is a crime. It must not be ignored.

* Copyright: www.refuge.org.uk

To donate visit www.refuge.org.uk

Further reading: Power and Control: Why charming men can make dangerous lovers, by Sandra Horley Refuge Chief Executive.

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