One in four women and one in six to seven men will encounter some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Between 30% and 60% of women experiencing mental health issues have faced domestic violence, and one in three pregnant women endure abuse during their pregnancy. Despite these alarming statistics, domestic abuse continues to be a largely concealed crime, with only an estimated 24% of incidents reported to the police.

I am a healthcare professional and engage with many victims and survivours of domestic abuse on a daily basis. I also have extensive personal experience of abusive relationships and the long lasting effect that abuse has had on my mental health. By launching this blog I hope to help lift the stigma attached to domestic abuse and encourage more victims to step forward out of the darkness.