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Citizens Advice has highlighted that people face an “unseen battle” to come forward about hidden abuse. With abuse taking forms other than physical violence, such as financial abuse, the charity says the Government is right to recognise the need to tackle these issues.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

"Domestic abuse and its victims often stay hidden behind closed doors. Citizens Advice research shows that huge numbers of people subjected to domestic abuse don't report their ordeal, leaving them suffering in silence. Many forms of abuse, like controlling someone's access to money or psychological cruelty, can be less visible than physical violence but can do very real harm. 

“Ministers should look to put in place clear and unambiguous legal protections for people overcoming the unseen battle to come forward and report physical, emotional, financial or any other type of abuse.

"Victims of abuse need to know that the law is on their side and that those who carry out abuse of any kind will be prosecuted. The Government's recognition of the need to strengthen protection beyond physical violence is welcome. As part of the Home Office stakeholder group on domestic abuse we will work with Government to toughen the laws against domestic abuse, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors:

1. This year the Citizens Advice service celebrates its 75th anniversary. We’ve planned a year of activity running from January to December 2014. Contact the press office on 03000 231 080, or via email at press.office@citizensadvice.org.uk, to find out more.
2. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
3. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
4. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
5. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
6. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
7. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.