There is a common misconception that domestic violence doesn't affect students. It does. This is a harsh reality. Domestic violence can be experienced by anyone at anytime irrespective of gender, age, class, race or culture. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. NOBODY DESERVES TO BE ABUSED OR TREATED VIOLENTLY.

Being able to see the whole picture is not easy as domestic violence happens so often within the privacy of the home, which makes it difficult to see the scale of the abuse. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event; the attacks tend to get worse and more frequent.

Many women deal will domestic violence in different ways. It is not always straightforward to just walk away or leave the relationship. Sometimes these women may realistically fear that the attacker will get more abusive and even cause fatality if they attempt to leave. Some women who experience domestic violence find that their friends and family may not believe them and not support their decision to leave. Perhaps there have been good times in the relationship and the woman feels that there might be again. Women who are involved in violent relationships need support to make their own decisions, in their own time.

If you are in a relationship such as this you could talk to friends or family and tell them about the situation. If this isn't an option there are other places that you can contact to get advice or support. Moving into a refuge is also possible. You could also contact the police who will take any report relating to domestic violence very seriously. Lancaster police has a well-established domestic violence unit. The most important thing is that you are aware that there is support available.

Help, information and support can be obtained from:

· The Women's Office. Drop into the students union, (under spar) or call on Ex.92197, or email: su-womens@lancaster.ac.uk

· The Advice Centre. Drop into the students union or call. Ex.93769

· The Harassment Network, email: HarassNet@lancaster.ac.uk

· Counselling Service. Based in Furness College, or call on ex. 92690 or email: counselling@lancaster.ac.uk

· Local police: 01524 63333

· Domestic Violence Helpline: 08457 023 468

National 24hr Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Lancaster District Womens Aid: 01524 383636

· www.womensaid.org.uk

In a case of emergency ring: 999

It can also help to have a crisis plan:

Crisis Plan

1. You may decide to leave home. Try to make an action plan.

2. Always carry a list of numbers you can call in an emergency.

3. Try and save money for a taxi, train or bus fare.

4. Have an extra set of keys cut for the house or car.

5. Keep keys, money and a set of clothes and any medication for yourself or children to hand, in case you have to leave in a hurry.

6. Take legal and financial papers: Benefit and Rent books, National Insurance Number, medical, marriage and birth certificates, passports, bank book and your address book. You may also want to take personal photos.

7. Have a safe address to go to.

8. If necessary a Police Officer can return to the house with you later.

9. If possible, leave when the abuser is not around.