The reality of Christmas for thousands of women suffering domestic abuse

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Domestic abuse doesn’t happen because it is Christmas – it happens all year round, and it is a choice a perpetrator makes. It can also be difficult for survivors with children, with societal pressure to have a ‘perfect family Christmas’ weighing heavily on many women.” open image in gallery The Independent has partnered with charity Refuge for its Brick by Brick campaign, to raise funds to build two houses for women and children escaping abuse For Olivia*, the societal pressures surrounding Christmas made her ordeal in an abusive relationship even harder to bear. “I felt like I had to make it work – to hold my family and relationship together – despite what I was going through, because everyone around me seemed so happy.” Olivia, now a survivor ambassador and trustee for the domestic abuse charity Solace, having previously accessed their services herself, vividly recalls the abuse she endured. Things are much better now.” Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available on 0808 2000 247 all year round, including Christmas Day, and confidential live chat is accessible online via www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk You can find out more about Solace here or if you need help now, call 0808 802 5565 Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent and charity Refuge, to help raise another £300,000 to build a second safe space for women where they can escape domestic abuse, rebuild their lives and make a new future.