Adults underestimate risk of abuse posed to women by ex-partners, UK data shows

Figures shows 42% of callers to Refuge identify former partner as abuser, but only 12% of adults recognise this possibility

The risk posed to women by ex-partners in cases of abuse is underestimated by large swathes of the British public, according to the charity Refuge.

Data from the charity’s helpline found that 42% of people who call Refuge for help identify a former partner as their abuser, a statistic which underlines how common it is for an ex to be a cause of harm after a relationship has ended.