Today sees the launch of a new section on healthtalk.org that is quite different from our usual focus on health conditions; thirty nine women have shared their experiences of domestic violence and abuse to help others who might be in the same situation.

The women spoke to researchers at Bristol University who launched the resource at the Women’s Aid conference at the University of Warwick. Dr Emma Williamson, Head of the Centre for Gender & Violence Research, School for Policy Studies, who co-led the project, said: ‘Personal stories open a ‘window’ into real-life experiences, providing insight to others. We are extremely grateful to the women who chose to speak out about their experiences of domestic violence and abuse. Although speaking about these experiences can be difficult, the women wanted to help others in similar situations and to let friends, family and professionals know how best to help if they think a woman is being abused.’