THE devastating impact domestic abuse has on people's lives will be the focal point of a display at an Ulverston library.

Ulverston Town Councillors Mark Wilson and Sharon Webster have joined forces to shine a light on what can be a hidden crime.

Cllr Wilson has described the crime as "intolerable" and wants to use the exhibit at the library as a way of showing victims they are not alone.

He said: "The display will advise people on what domestic abuse is and what do to about it.

"What I'd like to see people do is be more aware about what their actions are, to promote domestic abuse champions in the workplace and in the community.

"We don't want to rub people's noses in it, but spread the word about abuse."

National figures show that in the UK every year, 1.3million women, and 600,000 men are the victims of domestic abuse.

The Cumbria Observatory say that during 2013-14 there were 6,932 reported incidents of domestic violence in the county. However, estimates have shown around 4million women in the UK experience some kind of abuse before the age of 16; experts believe a huge number of crimes go unreported every year.

During the same period, Cumbria's Independent Domestic Violence Advisory service opened 510 cases.

Out of those victims, 65 per cent had experience physical abuse, 73 per cent jealous or controlling behaviour, and 43 per cent were deemed to be 'high risk'.

Cllr Webster said she was drawn to support this cause after hearing survivors of domestic abuse, both men and women, speak out.

She said: It's one of the things I'm passionate about for a few years. Domestic abuse figures are getting higher, not lower, this is why we are doing this display to bring awareness to the issue."

The display, which runs until March 10 has been arranged to coincide with International Women's Day on Wednesday.

This year it is encouraging men and women to challenge domestic abuse in their communities, and speak out for those who suffer in silence.

Cllr Webster drew attention to actions which were not always considered abusive. Non-violent aggression, coercive control and even control of finances are now recognised as forms of abuse.

She said: "It doesn't have to be violence, people can't spend their own money, there are all kinds of abuse. It's coercive control, it's emotional, it can taken people a long time to get out of it."

The display on abuse can be found in Ulverston Library in Kings Road until Friday March 10.

For more information on domestic abuse, and how to find help, visit www.cumbriaadvicenetwork.org or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.

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