DOMESTIC violence victims living in rural areas are "lacking support that could mean the difference between life and death", a report has claimed.

Research by the National Rural Crime Network showed victims stay longer with abusive partners, on average three years before seeking help compared to 2.6 years in urban areas.

It claims that while the number of domestic violence offences recorded per 1,000 people in rural areas is lower, this is because victims are less likely to report the crime to police.

The report says it is more difficult to access support services in the countryside, which often has poor public transport, and that abusers are drawn to rural areas so that they can keep their victim isolated.

It concludes: "The nature of domestic abuse itself is similar across rural and urban areas and the factors that drive it are similar.

"However, rurality is a weapon that increases isolation, stigma and shame in small, often closed communities, and which creates barriers that, without pro-active intervention, will prevent many victims accessing support.

"From understanding the vulnerability and demand in rural areas, to responding to the sensitivities of rural culture and communities, to ensuring our services are accessible to all, to supporting victims and survivors to escape and rebuild their lives, in rural areas domestic abuse and the needs of its victims and survivors have remained a hidden and harmful fact.

"There is an urgent need for change, which needs to be considered seriously by policymakers and commissioners, and by frontline agencies and services in rural communities."

The researchers interviewed 67 victims from seven different areas of England.

The report was due to be launched at the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

Chairwoman of the National Rural Crime Network Julia Mulligan said: "This report is clear - domestic abuse is hidden under our noses, hidden by abusers who like to keep it that way and on a scale of abuse hitherto unseen.

"All parties with a duty to help victims; the police, support services, charities, Police and Crime Commissioners, health services, and many others, need to understand that we have missed this. We have let victims and survivors down.

"We have collectively failed. We need to put that right. And for all of that, let me be the first to apologise to those we have failed."

The report includes 2016 crime data from 11 forces analysed by Dyfed Powys police which found that 9.23 domestic abuse offences per 1,000 people were reported in rural areas compared to 17.92 in cities and towns.

The report authors claim that the rates should be a similar number, and that the difference is because fewer victims in rural areas contact police.

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