One in four women will suffer domestic violence at some stage in their lives. Nationally, every week, two women will die at the hands of the man they loved. Rog Chahal tells KATE THOMPSON what is happening in Southampton to protect women at risk...

WITH the outreach work of Southampton's Women's Aid growing by 300 per cent in just one year - domestic violence is clearly a very real problem in the city.

Abuse at home can take the form of physical, mental or financial cruelty and some women will literally pay with their lives.

Now the city's Domestic Violence Forum has decided enough is enough and its time for the city to take notice of the growing problem going on behind closed doors in homes throughout the city.

With fashionable red streaks in her long dark hair and animated facial expressions, Rog Chahal cuts an impressive figure.

She is a women's champion who is not afraid to speak up about a taboo subject that for many years was ignored, and she positively fizzes with energy.

"Domestic violence is something that can happen to women of any age, class and background. There are even instances of disabled women suffering domestic violence," she said.

A parent, Rog has worked for several years at the Women's Refuge and has just become co-chair of the Domestic Violence Forum with Satty Basra.

"Sometimes its difficult to put yourself forward because it is a big responsibility. But as co-chairs we are both really enthusiastic about the Forum and what we can achieve," she said.

For the first time ever a strategy for dealing with domestic violence is being drawn up and this will mean a more co-ordinated approach right across the city.

"We are promoting awareness but more importantly we will have a strategy like London already has. There will be 45 member organisations from across the city working together in partnership.

"This will encourage multi-agencies to work together on domestic violence. At the moment a woman will typically suffer an average of 35 attacks before she goes for help.

"That's too much and we need to do something about that," she said.

Outreach work by the Women's Aid Refuge has trebled in a year but Rog fears this is only the tip of the iceberg.

"We know there are many more women out there that this is happening to and we want to help. We want them to know where to come for help," she said.

There are some popular misconceptions about domestic violence - and Rog is quick to pounce on these.

"There is a belief that it occurs more in the Asian community because the women are more submissive but this is nonsense.

"Domestic violence cuts across all boundaries. One of the most high-risk groups is women aged from 16 to 25, and pregnant women are also more at risk.

"Domestic violence is about power and control in that relationship - a woman having a baby will be responsible for that child and a partner may feel put out by that," she said.

When a relationship breaks down in such a dramatic way it can often leave the woman totally devastated, said Rog.

"Their whole world has been destroyed. They will be suffering from isolation because their partner will have cut them off from friends and family. They will be suffering from the low self-esteem that comes from not being able to speak out about it for fear of reprisals," she said.

Southampton born and bred, Rog has worked in the voluntary sector for several years and she is a passionate believer in equal opportunities.

"I don't get depressed doing this kind of work. We are getting our services out to women who really need them.

"And every time a woman says thank you and I see her gain strength, I know it's worth it," she said.

The Domestic Violence Strategy will be launched early next year and Rog sees it as positive move for the city.

"By working together we can actually do some real good.

"Hopefully we will raise awareness of what domestic violence is all about in Southampton and how women can get help," she said.

"Creating this strategy gives me hope. It will help women to seek help at an earlier stage and they will know who to come to for help and advice," she said.

HELPLINE:

If you are suffering from domestic violence you can seek help by ringing the Southampton Women's Aid Advice Support and Refuge on 023 8071 0068. You can receive advice over the phone or arrange a face-to-face meeting with a support worker. There are also safe houses throughout the city where you can be protected.