A POIGNANT reminder of the harrowing abuse that goes on behind the closed doors of some of Swindon’s homes has been tied around a tree in the town to remind people that they are not alone in the battle against domestic abuse.

Between April and October this year there were 1,453 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police in Swindon alone - of those 1,261 were recorded as crimes. The actual prevalence of domestic abuse is far greater, as only one in five incidents are believed to be reported to the police.

Figures also show that between April and September, 56 women accessed the Swindon Women’s Refuge. During this period 223 high risk victims, including 10 men, were supported through the Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and 169 people, including three men, were helped through community outreach.

Showing these people – and the many more who still live with the threat of domestic abuse – members of Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police and Swindon Women’s Refuge marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Wednesday by tying a white ribbon around a tree at the Civic Offices.

Councillor Fionuala Foley, cabinet member for the prevention of domestic abuse, said it was time that the taboos surrounding domestic violence were broken in order for those still suffering in silence to be helped.

She said: “We recognised International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in the traditional way of tying a white ribbon around a tree as a mark of solidarity and defiance against all forms of domestic abuse, as well as raising awareness of the support available.”

New legislation, in the Serious Crime Bill 2015, criminalises patterns of repeated or continuous coercive or controlling behaviour where perpetrated against an intimate partner or family member.

Domestic abuse is not just physical abuse but can also be sexual, financial, emotional and psychological.

Anyone in need of support should contact the Swindon 24 Hour Helpline on 01793 610610. Calls to this number are treated in the strictest of confidence.