A WHITE ribbon was tied around a tree outside the Civic Offices on Friday to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Week.

Swindon Borough Council and its partner agencies came together in a show of unity against the thousands of domestic abuse incidents estimated to take place in Swindon each year, many of which go unreported.

It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, which equates to around 24,000 women in the borough of Swindon. It is thought one in six men are also victims of domestic abuse.

The abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial. For example, it can be keeping someone short of money, not giving them any money, or threatening not to pay the rent or the mortgage.

It can also include coercive behaviour - an act or pattern of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.

More than 2,000 domestic abuse incidents in Swindon were reported to the police between April 2015 and March 2016, but this figure could be as high as 10,000 as many victims are too scared to report the crimes.

Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for reducing domestic violence and abuse, said: “Domestic violence and abuse is a terrible crime and we want to get the message out that there is help out there for victims.

“We are not just talking about physical violence, as domestic abuse can take many forms. It could be emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological or even financial.

“Victims may have been subjected to violence and abuse for many years and think it is their fault. We want them to have the courage to speak out against the perpetrators of this cowardly crime which, sadly, all too often goes unreported.”

Any victim or their family and friends who need help and advice on domestic abuse issues can contact the Swindon 24-hour Helpline on 01793 610610. In an emergency, people should always ring 999.