DS Pete Gayle book 6 No Safe Place - Inspiration

Over eighty people a year are killed in the UK through domestic violence and one in five people experiencing it in their lifetime. But what can police actually do about it? And what can the courts do, apart from empty and useless injunctions and protection orders that serve only to further enrage the perpetrators – otherwise, for the most part, it is down to the victim and a range of charities.

Domestic abuse, either mental or physical, usually starts some way into a relationship, when the perpetrator feels comfortable that the victim is fully hooked in. It can often start with insults, put-downs - subtle or overt. A slap, an apology, a quiet time, another slap - this time maybe stronger. Possessiveness. Isolation. Blame. Threats. Bruises that the victim will hide from outsiders. Broken bones. Attempts to kill, perhaps only to resuscitate. Victims are often reluctant to testify, due to a combination of fear, residual feelings for the perpetrator and being conditioned to lie for them, even despite their own need for self-preservation. And if they do pluck up the courage to leave, the perpetrator will try their utmost to track them down and, when they do, pleading will turn to stalking, threats and violence. Terror is the perpetrator’s ultimate weapon and lack of hope is what keeps that terror alive. The thought that if – or when – they get out of prison, they will be back and fiercer than ever. 

I hope that highlighting this issue on this page and in this book can save at least one life.