Roxanne Pallett's anti-violence campaign
Tuesday, 5th August 2008.
Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett is fronting a campaign that urges women to look out for early signs a partner may turn violent.
The actress' character in the ITV soap - Jo Sugden - is currently the victim of domestic violence by her husband and Roxanne herself has previously been in a violent relationship.
Both of these factors have spurred the 25 year-old into being the public face of the Refuge campaign, aimed at making women more aware of the techniques used by violent men to control them.
Roxanne says: "Portraying a victim of domestic violence has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced as an actress.
"Playing the role has taken a huge emotional toll on me, but it's nothing to the pain, fear and torment experienced by the thousands of women Refuge supports every day.
"I have no doubt this campaign will give strength to many women."
Recent statistics show that two women are killed each week in the UK by a current or former partner.
Early warning signs Refuge are urging women to look out for include the man try to isolate his partner from family and friends and constantly criticising her.
Refuge chief executive Sandra Horley says: "It's all too easy for women to excuse their partner's possessive and jealous behaviour.
"By understanding the signs early a woman is forewarned and forearmed."
Roxanne added: "I'm a strong character and I'm confident and I'm quite assertive and if it can happen to me and it can happen to a character like Jo, it can happen to anyone.
"It happens to everyone in all shapes and sizes. It doesn't just happen to timid women in the corner."
Photo: Chris Jackson/Gettyimages
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