New domestic violence campaign urges women to spot 'early warning signs'

Campaigners against domestic violence launched a new campaign today urging women to look out for early warning signs of abuse.

Two women are killed every week by a current or former partner in England and Wales, and the charity Refuge said women needed to be more aware of the techniques used by violent men to control and dominate them.

Women who change their behaviour because they are frightened of their partners are being abused, the charity said.

The campaign is being headed by the Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett, whose character Jo Sugden is currently the victim of domestic violence.

"Portraying a victim of domestic violence has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced as an actress," she said.

"Just playing the role has taken a huge emotional toll on my life, but it is nothing compared to the pain, fear and torment experienced by the thousands of women Refuge supports every day.

"I have no doubt this campaign will give strength to many women who may be experiencing abuse now, or who may do so in the future, to reach out and get help."

Sandra Horley, the chief executive of Refuge, said women needed to be more aware of the pernicious effect of a partner's controlling behaviour.

"It's all too easy for women to excuse their partner's possessive and jealous behaviour - but in so doing they run the risk of the abuse increasing in frequency and severity over time," she said.

"By understanding the signs early a woman is forewarned and forearmed."

More than eight out of 10 women interviewed for research commissioned by Refuge said they received no information about domestic violence when they were at school, though nearly all said they would have liked to have done so.

Cherie Booth said: "Refuge's campaign is a warning siren to all women, no matter what their age or background.

"Everyone has the right to live free from control and violence. Don't ignore the warning signs of domestic violence."

Among the early warning signs Refuge urged women to look out for were: the man cutting his partner off from family and friends and try to isolate her; humiliating or insulting her in front of others; constantly criticising her and telling her she could not cope without him.

Half of the women surveyed by Refuge said they had experienced at least one of the warning signs.