Unfortunately this "private business" results in a large number of casualties, most often women and children.

It is the leading cause of injury to women of reproductive age,the major cause of maternal mortality and is implicated in more than 60 per cent of female murders.

It is also the single most common trigger for female suicide.

It's a leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

Women will sometimes choose to stay in a violent relationship because they love their partner and just want the violence to stop.

They are scared of moving away from their community, or fearful of repercussion, or fear they risk homelessness as a result due to lack of resources.

Often the violence will remain hidden because of shame, fear of involvement and lack of support from family and friends.

Police, domestic/family violence and community legal services work to provide an integrated response to the issue, but further community awareness and support would help with more women and children feeling safe to seek assistance.

The more people are prepared to speak out against violence, report known incidents and assist women and children to be safe, the less power the perpetrators of violence will have.

Women often feel they have "burned their bridges" with family and friends, and some families may become reluctant to assist.

It is extremely difficult to leave domestic violence if this occurs.

Blame should be placed on the person perpetrating the violence.

However, women often feel judged and responsible.

I think that domestic/family violence is a community concern where we are all responsible for assisting to address this horrific issue and breaking the cycle of violence.

JULIE HINDLE-CUSHEN,

Longlea