‘1-in-5 women in abusive relationship’

WOMEN’S Aid is calling for a change in the law to protect women in dating relationships at risk from abusive partners who are not covered by existing legislation.

The organisation, which has worked to address domestic violence for more than 30 years, is concerned for those women who have never lived with their boyfriends and do not meet the strict cohabitation requirements under the Domestic Violence Act.

Women’s Aid director Margaret Martin said that while many women met the strict criteria for domestic violence orders, some women did not.