18 months ago Sue's 20 month relationship with a controlling and sexually abusive man ended. She previously survived a marriage of ten years to a man who was verbally and physically abusive. She became very frightened of him and fled when she realised the impact his behaviour was having on her children. Following years of isolation she received help from her GP and mental health services, to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She felt consistently let down by lack of support from the police.

Khalida spent 33 years in a marriage characterised by controlling behaviour, physical, emotional and financial abuse from her Pakistani-born husband. They met as teenagers and were married secretly in defiance of Khalida's parents who had arranged her marriage to a relative in Pakistan. From her third pregnancy onwards, Khalida shared' her husband with a second wife; a woman that her husband secretly married under Islamic Law (a Nikar'). (Video clips read by a professional.)

Linda's fifteen years marriage to a man who subjected her to physical, emotional and financial abuse ended last year when her ex smashed up the family home, took all her belongings and her money and left. Linda has found it very hard to speak out to anyone at all, despite numerous hospital visits when she made excuses for her bruises, as she felt such a fool to be taken in' by her ex.

Julia spent twenty-two years in a controlling relationship with emotional, sexual and financial abuse, having previously experienced sexual abuse at the age of five from a family friend, and one episodes of date-rape as a teenager, and one rape at knifepoint in the street while walking home one night. Her partner left ten years ago but Julia feels her ongoing health problems are a consequence of the abuse she suffered. One of four sisters, Julia was devastated that her abusive relationship caused a wedge' between her and her family, still ongoing after ten years because they were unable to accept what had happened to her.

Philippa experienced controlling behaviour and physical, emotional and verbal abuse during her 13 year relationship. She left her husband for the final time in 2005 after he threatened to restrict her access to their children. For nine months she and her daughters stayed in a refuge, where she received counselling and support, and was able to feel safe again.

Jacqui's husband subjected her to physical, verbal, emotional and financial abuse. His escalating violence motivated her to disclose to her GP about the cause of her serious injuries. They referred her to a local Domestic Violence and Abuse Agency and with the help of a support worker she started to make the preparations needed to leave the relationship.