women stated that it was important for the WI to campaign because violence against
women is an important issue that affects many women even if they are not the direct
victims of it:
“Absolutely. Violence against women affects all women, not necessarily those who experience it
but also they may know people who have and people who witness it. It impinges on attitudes to
women in general. The WI is a strong voice and deals with a lot of women”. Interviewee 18
Concluding Comment
This section of the report has presented the data from the twenty women who were
interviewed. Their experiences of violence and abuse were long term, escalated in
frequency and severity, and had a profound and long term impact on their lives and the
lives of other family members. Apart from one woman who experienced abuse from her
female partner, these women suffered a range of abuses from their male partners, male
family members, and other men in their lives. Most did not receive any help from
statutory or third sector organisations and where they did seek help were let down.
Women also described how they were further isolated by wider social attitudes about
violence against women. To conclude this section it is important to recognise the
strength and resilience of these women and their children.
McCarry & Williamson, 2009 28
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