Professor Jack Levin, University of Boston, Mass, said:
“ …When a woman is dating a guy, he may be jealous and possessive and she may be flattered. But after a time, that possessive attitude can become quite dangerous… …I think women should think twice before they marry a very possessive, jealous man, because he can become very violent…”

Quotes

The Right Reverend Nigel Stock, bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, said: “It is many years since I was first confronted with an aspect of human relationships that is so often hidden. A prominent member of a church suffered a very unfortunate series of accidents ………..we all expressed concern ……….. It was with real shock that I learnt the truth …………..It is one of those aspects of behaviour that remains hidden because often complex emotions of shame and guilt prevent people seeking help.”

 

Statement from victim’s champion, Sara Payne
Sara Payne, said, “Domestic violence is often a hidden crime which is why it’s really important that we do all we can to raise awareness that help is out there.”

 

Sandra Horley, OBE, CEO of Refuge, said, “One woman in four will experience domestic violence at sometime in her lifetime. Her friends and family are likely to be the first source of support she seeks.”

“Men who tyrannise their wives can be charming in public. It is charm that hooks the wife in the first place.“
Lesley Garner, journalist

The Townswomen’s Guild website says:
“We believe in the power of united communication to help bring about postive social change. In recent years Townswomen have used their voices to campaign on such issues as …….domestic abuse.”

“The victim is never responsible for the abuser’s behaviour.”
Women’s Aid

From a newspaper article:
“Women should be warned, that as soon as they realise what is being done to them - the isolation and infantilisation are insidious at the beginning - they should go. I am now free. I survived; but you would be surprised how difficult it is to find who you are after 30 years of domination.”

From a newspaper article:
“Unless one has experienced such a marriage and the incredible power that a husband can have, it is very difficult to understand why one stays. Fear of the husband and what he might do plays a large part..…… I would say to others in a similar situation, leave the person who is destroying your life and find out how wonderful it is to be oneself.”

With reference to a health professional who abused his wife, a police spokesman, said: “This shows that domestic violence knows no class boundaries and can affect people from all walks of life. Being of otherwise good character is no excuse for domestic abuse.”

 

Fay Mansell, Chair of National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) said:
“WI members come from all walks of life… …violence can affect any woman and is not just confined to women in poverty or on the fringes of society. For too long, women have been suffering in silence, afraid and often ashamed to seek help. We need to show them that they are not alone.”

 

Theresa Parker of ‘Women’s Aid’ said:
“ …Money worries can be a huge concern for women experiencing domestic violence. Many victims may feel completely trapped and additional money problems can make existing domestic violence even worse…”

 

Dr Thomas Stuttaford wrote:
“The once savage debate as to whether it is the influence of environment or that of genetic inheritance, nurture or nature, that determines a child’s character and ability has now died down and a compromise has been reached that both are of importance and that a child’s eventual character is developed as the result of its genetic inheritance being moulded for good or ill, by the environment provided by its parents and society…”

 

Child Exploitation:

NSPCC:
“…Research shows that economic stress is often linked to domestic violence and child abuse…”

 

“The most successful abusers are those who get away with it time and again.”
Catherine Barnes, journalist

“ We must confront this sickness in society ……………The activities take place in the comfort of their own home, safe in the knowledge that they will never be caught. Most perverts do not believe they have a problem ……they justify their depravity …. “
“Every vile photo has destroyed the life of a child.”
“If nothing is done, then evil will flourish.”
Charlie Lee-Potter, journalist

 

Quote from NSPCC:
“Domestic Violence is also an indicator of further forms of child abuse.”

NSPCC research shows 50 recorded child sex offences a day.
There is a recognised link between domestic violence and child abuse.

 

A quote from Mrs Sara Payne:
“There are few crimes more damaging, more emotive and more sensitive than sexual offences against children. I want to see every child living their lives free from fear.”