Ways to spot domestic abuse this Christmas and some things you can do about it. 

New Solace campaign urges people to #DoSomething this Christmas and not wait until it’s too late.

Between the moment families open their first advent calendar window, until when they head back to their desks after the Christmas period, approximately 20 women will have lost their lives. 

On average two women are killed by a partner or ex-partner each week in England and Wales. A further three women a week take their own life as a result of their trauma. Meanwhile many experts believe figures could be much higher. 

Solace's powerful new Christmas film focuses on a couple enjoying their festive traditions, whilst ignoring the heart wrenching abuse happening next door, not knowing when or how to take action, until tragedy strikes and it’s too late.

Jane Jutsum, Director says ‘Christmas is considered a time for family and celebration but for too many women and children it can be a time of fear and isolation. The focus of this campaign is on how too often we turn a blind eye to the violence that is around us. It’s easy to hope that someone else will do something, but to make a real change, to save lives and stop this epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG), we all need to do something.’ 

Solace is urging people to spot the signs of domestic abuse that include: 

1. Physical signs:

Signs of injury such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, limping, changes to appearance i.e., the way they are dressed, their weight.

2. Behavioural signs:

Appearing uncomfortable, withdrawn, nervous or tense. Also anger, irritability, difficulty regulating emotions. Using coping mechanisms i.e. self-harm, problematic use of drugs and alcohol. 

3. Practical signs: 

Unable to leave the house, unable to socialise, obtain education or employment, unable to answer the phone. No control over finances i.e. no access to a bank account and as highlighted in the film witnessing violence whether that’s visually or audibly. 

If someone spots the signs they can #DoSomething to help:

1. Never place yourself at risk, if anyone is in immediate danger call 999

2. Call a helpline like the Solace Lifeline or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline where they can offer advice depending on the circumstances

3. Donate to life-saving and life-changing women’s services helping survivors 

Solace currently has more than 300 women and children living in their refuges. 

We are calling on people to come together to support survivors of domestic abuse and do something when they are worried about their neighbour or make a donation to our life-saving services to ensure that every woman and child can get the support they need. 

The couple are played by actors Taylor Celeste Conti (Netflix #SAFE and The Beast of Blue Yonder, Southwark playhouse) and Sureni Kay (Eastenders, Love Eventually). Karen Bryson, (Shameless, Safe, Happy Valley) has provided the powerful voice over and says; “I’m proud to support Solace. Their work is crucial to supporting women and children across London, enabling them to build safe and strong lives.’

Solace supports more than 20,000 women and girls each year, as well as a small but increasing number of men. During the pandemic Solace have seen an unprecedented rise in demand for their services. Calls to their London free advice line have more than doubled.    

The key message of the campaign is that if you have concerns then you should #DoSomething.

To help support the work of Solace Women’s Aid, please donate online at 

https://www.solacewomensaid.org/donate

Full crew list:

Production Company: Roll Nine Productions

Actors: Sureni Kay & Taylor Celeste Conti 

Voice Over: Karen Bryson 

Producer: Kirsty Malcolm

Director: Mike Doxford

DOP: Jim Petersen

Sound: Charlie Hurst

AC: Florence Skinner

AP: Josh Wilkin

Sound Design: Castelli Sound

Storyboard: Anton Jaspard

Ambulance & Driver: Blue Light Action Vehicles

Talent Agency: Sandra Reynolds