Celebrities raising awareness of domestic abuse

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Refuge is one of the UK's largest domestic violence charities that helps women deal with and escape from domestic abuse, and campaigns for greater awareness of domestic abuse issues. Recently they launched a campaign about the early warning signs of domestic violence, which highlights several key attitudes or patterns of behaviour which after research, identify signs of domestic abuse.

If you're a soap fan then you're probably aware of the domestic abuse storyline in Emmerdale involving Jo Sugden, played by Roxanne Pallett (pictured above). Roxanne is spearheading the Refuge campaign to raise awareness about the signs of domestic abuse, she says: 'Portraying a victim of domestic violence has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced as an actress. Just playing the role has taken a huge emotional toll on my life, but it is nothing compared to the pain, fear and torment experienced by the thousands of women Refuge supports every day. 'I have no doubt this campaign will give strength to many women who may be experiencing abuse now, or who may do so in the future, to reach out and get help. Refuge's campaign will save lives.'

Dani, 42, domestic abuse survivor says: 'My ex was so charming at the start of our relationship that I felt very flattered by him. But after a short time the jealousy started, along with the mood swings where he readily switched from being charming to being abusive. I lived my life walking on egg shells. I experienced nearly all of the warning signs - I was very closely controlled, criticised and isolated from friends and family. I just didn't realise that these were the warning signs, I didn't recognise this as domestic violence. If I had known then what I know now, my life would have been quite different.' The campaign is also being supported by a number of high-profile celebrites:

Wendy Turner Webster 'I suffered domestic violence from the age of 17 - 24 from my then partner. I was too young and naive to see it for what it actually was; not the normal goings on of a healthy and loving relationship but a wicked crime which robbed me of a normal and happy life for all those years. Refuge's new campaign can help young women from becoming trapped by abusive partners and thus avoid a life time of bitter memories and mental scars.'

Cherie Blair QC 'Refuge's campaign is a warning siren to all women, no matter what their age or background. Everyone has the right to live free from control and violence. Don't ignore the warning signs of domestic violence.'

Ruby Wax 'I support Refuge's warning signs campaign because I believe that prevention is better than cure. If Refuge can show women that the control and emotional abuse they are experiencing is very likely to become worse, we may be able to prevent them from having to experience the pain and torment of domestic violence. We could save lives.'

Jo Brand 'If just one woman recognises the warning signs of domestic violence and finds the courage to get in touch with Refuge then that is potentially one life saved.'

Mica Paris 'Tell your sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues - every woman you know - about the early warning signs of domestic violence. You could save a life.'