He stabbed me, kicked me, punched me. I was terrified - I thought he would kill me (From Barry And District News)

He stabbed me, kicked me, punched me. I was terrified - I thought he would kill me

TODAY we reveal the shocking truth about domestic violence in Barry.

New figures show that one in four local women are being subjected to terrifying abuse by a husband or partner.

In Wales alone, approximately every 10 seconds someone is injured as a result of domestic violence.

But it's not just a tale of despair - because now police, prosecutors and support agencies have got together to offer a lifeline to local women.

One brave thirty-year-old woman from the Vale of Glamorgan lived with an abusive partner for a decade. She has spoken of her hellish experiences, but does not wish to be named.

She was relocated to another area in the Vale to help restart her life a year ago. She says it was her now-former partner's addiction to drink and drugs that fuelled the problem.

She said: "It's always been physical. It was because he had problems with drink and drugs. It was every time he needed money for the drink and drugs and if I didn't have any that would kick it off."

"I've had my ankle broken, I've been stabbed, kicked and punched. I've been hit with many things including dog leads and scissors.

"I was terrified - it was the look in his eyes. Just the way he looked at me I thought he was going to kill me. I would go to phone the police and he would smash the phone up. He has trapped me in rooms and if I went for the front door then he would beat me up."

"He would steal from me, it was just unbearable, unbelievable. I became depressed and stressed, I couldn't get him away from me."

Even after breaking away from him, she still fears it could start again.

"It's never ending. It's quiet at the moment, but there's always that feeling that it could just kick off all over again. I've had enough."

In this case her problems are still on-going. But she has found some refuge in the form of Vale Women's Aid, which aims to support women and children suffering the effects of domestic abuse in an emotional and practical way.

Outreach Worker at the centre, Debbie Twigg said: "We also provide temporary, emergency accommodation to women and their children who are suffering or experiencing domestic abuse."

The term 'domestic violence' refers to the abusive or assaultive behaviour between the adult members of a household, whether they are in a current relationship or are former partners.

In the run up to Domestic Violence Day on Tuesday November 25, we take a look at the support available for victims and how the Justice system aim to deal with abuse cases.

Recognition: Support is available for the many victims of domestic violence

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DAY will be taking place on Tuesday November 25 to highlight the problems with violence in the home and let people know about the support they can get if they are suffering or experiencing domestic abuse.

A victim of domestic abuse said she is pleased to notice a change in the system and that authorities today have recognised this as a major problem.

She said: "I have definitely seen a change over the years. Women's Aid have always been there for me. They have been brilliant. There have been big changes with the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service as well. They have recognised that this is a problem and they take it very seriously now."

Vale Women's Aid help victims of domestic abuse. Debbie Twigg, who is an Outreach Worker at the centre, said: "Here at the centre we have a Support Unit, a Refuge Worker and the Outreach Programme.

" We aim to provide an initial assessment of the woman to determine her place in the recognised cycle of abuse. We will also assist women suffering Domestic Abuse in gaining confident independence from their abusers."

It must be remembered that while domestic violence is not gender specific, research suggests the most common form of abuse is man to woman.

Unit Head at the Crown Prosecution Service Mike Curry said that Barry is no stranger to domestic violence.

"There's a lot of domestic violence in the Barry area as well. Families troubled by drink or with debt or drug problems can't cope with it and they take it out on each other."

He added that incidents can be difficult to deal with because they cases rarely have any witnesses.

"It's a huge problem because it is the sort of offence where it's one person's word against another. You never get an independent witness. So you either rely on the victim to come to court and give evidence or the defendant to make an admission. The defendant very rarely makes an admission. They are difficult cases to follow through."

He added that it is important that they support the victim throughout the entire case

"We aim to deal with domestic violence case by first supporting the

victim and giving them any help

and encouragement to come to court and make their complaint and pursue it.

"Secondly when you get a case which is to be sentenced its worth pointing out to the court that having a domestic background is an aggravating feature before you start. The system can work for you."

For more information or advice on Women's Aid on 01446 744755.