Rural domestic violence 'hidden'

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A report for the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI) found that women in rural and urban areas were equally likely to be victims of violence, but rural residents were less likely to think it was happening.

The NFWI called for a Government campaign to raise awareness of the problem and for GPs in rural areas to be trained to spot victims of violence.

The report also highlights the problem of psychological abuse, such as controlling behaviour or constant put-downs, which the NFWI says can be just as damaging as physical abuse.

More than 5,000 women were surveyed and more than half of the respondents had experience of some form of violence or abuse. Of those, 20 were interviewed in depth by the researchers about their experiences.

One interviewee said she had been abused by two husbands, the second of whom also sexually abused her daughters. She said he "completely destroyed all our lives". She added: "He was physically, sexually, emotionally and financially abusive." Another woman, who was in a violent relationship 30 years ago, said: "Unfortunately it stays with you. There is not a day goes by when I don't at some point think about it."

NFWI chairwoman Fay Mansell said: "Despite its frequency the research suggests violence against women continues to be a hidden issue. Many victims do not speak out due to fear and shame."

One of the interviewees said: "I did not want anyone to look down on me, so I did not talk about it."

The research showed that women felt there were not enough women-only services such as Rape Crisis or women's refuges and that they were much more likely to confide in friends or family than to report abuse to police or other professionals. One victim said she did not think she could get help for emotional abuse because "there are no scars, fractures or broken bones to prove that this went on. All you are left with is mental anguish."

Ms Mansell said: "We want people in all communities to acknowledge that violence is there and takes many forms."