Helpline (From Penarth Times)

Helpline

LEAVING a violent relationship isn't easy, that's a fact. Recent research by The Body Shop showed that women across the UK think they would pack their bags straight away if their partner hit them.

Yet the shocking truth is that a woman is beaten an average of 35 times before finally calling the police. Imagine living with the fear of never knowing when the next attack may happen, 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

That's why The Body Shop is launching a new initiative with national domestic violence charity Women's Aid that aims to provide a quick and simple way for at-risk domestic violence victims to contact the police quickly.

The 'Donate a Phone, Save a Life' campaign urges people across the country to donate old or unwanted mobile phones via their nearest The Body Shop store.

These phones will be used to generate mobile personal alarms - with direct dial to 999 at the touch of any button - and distributed to women at risk.

I personally urge everyone to rally behind this campaign and search for their old mobile phones and donate them to help bring this amazing initiative to life.

Freepost envelopes to donate the handsets are available to pick up at over 300 stores of The Body Shop across the UK.

If you are affected by this issue or know someone who is and need advice, Women's Aid provides a freephone 24 hour national helpline in partnership with Refuge on 0808 2000 247. You can find out more about 'Donate A Phone, Save A Life', by visiting www.thebodyshop.com Dame Anita Roddick, Founder, The Body Shop.