Domestic violence is a not a private matter although it's often been treated this way. A crime committed in private, behind closed doors, is still a crime.
Every week in England and Wales alone, two women a week are murdered by a current or former male partner (Home Office 2001).
It's estimated that each of these murders costs the taxpayer at least £400,000 (for further information see the Government Equalities Office.
In addition to this, a further £278m a year is spent on providing services to women and children who escape alive and in prosecuting their abusers (Prof. Betsy Stanko, 1999).
We are all affected by domestic violence whether it be directly or indirectly and as such, it is everybody's business. Not getting involved won't make domestic violence disappear; it will only ensure that more people and their children suffer alone.
If you're worried that someone you know is being abused, our Helping someone you know section has advice on how to help safely and sensitively.
