If you've been hurt by someone you know

As domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 11 men within the Surrey area that prevents them from living a normal life, the Safer Guildford Partnership supports Domestic Abuse Awareness Week (10 - 16 October).

Domestic abuse is often portrayed as physical violence in the home, but in reality abuse can be emotional, psychological or sexual. It can happen to absolutely anyone, no matter what gender, class or age, and usually takes place in the context of a family relationship, or between partners or ex-partners.

South West Surrey's Chapter 1* Outreach service offers practical help, advice and support to men, women and children who are victims of abuse in the local area.

Pauline, an outreach worker at Chapter 1, said: "Victims, male and female, need support from someone they can trust who will listen to them in confidence, and without judgement.

And added: "We want people to know that they don't have to suffer in silence. They can pick up the phone and talk to us from Monday to Friday on 01483 577 392, all calls are treated in confidence and in an emergency phone 999."

It is worrying that on average, a woman will be assaulted by her partner or ex-partner 35 times before reporting the abuse, and domestic abuse is a factor in a quarter of all suicide attempts by women.

Two women a week are killed due to domestic abusive situations.

ENDS

More follows/....

For interviews or more information please contact:

Lorraine Kerswill, Communications Officer for Safer Guildford Partnership,

Tel: 01483 444210 or mobile: 0791 4411479

Notes to Editor

* Chapter 1 provides accommodation and related support services to help vulnerable people enjoy a more fulfilled life.  It is a charity, based on Christian principles, which offers human compassion and practical support to meet people's needs respecting their faith, culture and social background.  Currently Chapter 1 works in partnership with 29 local authorities and has a growing network of 40 projects across England.