Conquering the sinister power held by abusers

Domestic abuse in the UK affects millions. In the year ending March 2024, 2.3m adults experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales.

- REBECCA JANE

Among high-risk victims, more than 70 per cent reported physical abuse, while more than 80 per cent endured jealous or controlling behaviour.

Abuse is rarely a one-off: 42 per cent of victims suffer repeated incidents, an average of 20 each year, often escalating in severity.

I recognised a pattern in my own relationship, just like many before and after me. Repetition. Escalation.

The cycle of abuse grinding you down until even the smallest acts, like phoning for a takeaway, feel impossible.