Women's Aid has marked the 20th year of its National Freephone Helpline by launching its new 'Don't Be Afraid' national public awareness advertising campaign. The campaign encourages women living with domestic abuse to speak up and to call the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900.

One in five women in Ireland is affected by domestic abuse but a third of those will never tell anyone what is happening to them. We understand that it is difficult for women experiencing domestic abuse to talk about what is happening. Many women are afraid that they will not be believed or that they will blamed for the abuse. Others struggle to find the words to describe their situation. All too often, women feel alone and isolated, unaware that help is available or unable to make sense of what is being done to them.

Women's Aid hopes that the 'Don't Be Afraid' campaign will show women that they do not have to suffer domestic abuse in silence.

For more information on the campaign visit www.womensaid.ie/campaigns

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse call the Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 (10am to 10pm, 7 days a week)

This campaign is funded by Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (www.cosc.ie)

Click on this link to view the video  www.womensaid.ie/oneinfivewomen