The IoS Appeal

But the specialist refuge that saved them is a victim of budget cuts

Even her best friend didn't know what was going on inside Louise's violent marriage. But when she did, she urged her to ring Refuge

Not all domestic violence leaves physical scars. Psychological intimidation and extreme jealousy can be just as serious

Thanks to Refuge, Sarah and her children have escaped a life of fear. Emily Dugan met them at the safe house that has given them a new start

Two women die every week from violence in the home. Providing safe havens and advocacy for women at risk are key areas of Refuge's work. Emily Dugan reports on the horrors visited upon one young woman who failed to reach her refuge in time

Training midwives to detect a father's potential violence, and advocates to help an abused mother, are two key areas of Refuge's work. Emily Dugan reports on the horrors visited upon one young woman and how she was able to cope and withstand them

The actor tells Emily Dugan how becoming attuned to his father's violence helped him protect his mother

Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by current or former partners

One in four women will be abused by a partner. Many are failed by the police, and now cuts to services are leaving women and children open to more attacks. As The IoS launches its Christmas appeal, Emily Dugan and Jane Merrick report on the dangers women still face