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.

Stephanie is now free of her second emotionally abusive relationship but still suffers from nightmares and stress and describes herself as cynical' and less trusting of men. Stephanie met both partners in the workplace. She did not live with either partner. The first relationship lasted six years and the second one only a few months, her previous experience enabling her to recognise the developing abuse sooner.

During her three year relationship Mandy experienced emotional, verbal and sexual abuse. She ended the relationship in autumn 2014 after her boyfriend physically attacked her for the first time. However during the weeks and months that followed Mandy was subjected to a period of harassment. In 2015 her ex-boyfriend pleaded guilty in court to the physical assault, and as an injunction has been issued to prevent him from coming near her, Mandy has been able to start moving on with her life.

Yasmin left Pakistan on her mothers wishes, to join her older sister in the UK. Terminally ill, her mother wished to see Yasmin settled and arranged for her to marry a first cousin living in the UK. Yasmin endure thirteen years of sexual and financial abuse. Her husband's controlling behaviour led her to feel like their home was a prison'. When Yasmin's husband threatened her with sharp knives she fled, with the support of the police and Women's Aid.

Min survived an early relationship with a physically abusive boyfriend. She went on to marry twice and experienced coercive control, financial and sexual abuse, and a form of psychological abuse known as gas-lighting' where her partner twisted information leading her to doubt her own sanity. (Video clips played by an actor.)

Ella experienced emotional, financial, sexual and physical abuse at the hands of three different abusive partners. The first relationship lasted seven years followed by shorter relationships of six months and 18 months. When she eventually became homeless she was referred to Women's Aid, and with their support she has been free of abuse for three years. Ella said that had she known about Women's Aid sooner, and realised that domestic abuse was not just about being physically beaten up', then she might not have continued into further abusive relationships. She now feels she could knock it on the head before it began'. (Video clips played by an actor.)

Sara was married for almost seven years to a man who became increasingly controlling towards her, withholding money, making constant sexual demands and criticising her. Sara finally ended the relationship when he became physically abusive towards their young son. Her Christian faith has been very important in helping her deal with troubled times. She recently returned to live in her home area, nearer family and friends, due to medical reasons. (Video clips read by a professional.)

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.

After a short romance, Lindsay married her partner, who then anally raped her on their wedding night. Four weeks later she left him after he physically abused her and her eldest daughter. For Lindsay however, this was only the start of the abuse and she has had to endure over a decade of physical, psychological and sexual abuse, all of which has had a significant and negative impact on her physical and psychological wellbeing. Lindsay has received help and support from various organisations including, Women's Aid, MIND (a mental health charity) and a local domestic abuse service.

Chloe met her partner via a local exchange forum website. Their relationship developed rapidly, Chloe fell deeply in love and the couple moved in together. Following an escalation of manipulative and controlling behaviour over nine months, Chloe became a virtual prisoner in her own home, fearing for her life and her sanity. Two years ago she escaped with the help of friends, and is getting support from a specialist domestic abuse agency. She is receiving counselling for PTSD and feels that her recovery will take a long time. (Video clips played by an actor.)