A DOMESTIC violence campaigner said the abuse she suffered made her feel “empty, ashamed and soulless”.

Tracy Graham, an ambassador for Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, formerly Swindon Women’s Aid, spoke out as charities worldwide marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Today marks the start of a 16-day campaign by the service and women’s organisations across the UK, raising awareness of the impact of domestic violence as well as the services available to support victims of abuse.

Every day, the Adver will feature an article on a different aspect of the pernicious crime.

Ms Graham, who was abused by a former partner she met online, was supported by SWA.

“I was swept off my feet, I was treated like a princess," she said of her abuser.

“I was unaware I was being groomed, isolated from family and friends.

“He chipped away at my spirit, very subtly, bit by bit taking over my mind to the point that I doubted my own sanity. Then the aggression started, I felt empty, ashamed and soulless.”

Domestic abuse continues to remain a largely hidden crime which is highly underreported.

This is despite one in four women and one in six men experiencing some form of domestic abuse within their lifetime.

In the year ending March 2019, an estimated 2.4 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales - 1.6 million women and 786,000 men.

On average, police in England and Wales received more than 100 calls relating to domestic abuse every hour – or a call every six seconds.

But offences often go unreported. Official crime figures suggest that only around 18 per cent of domestic abuse incidents are reported to the police.

SWA said domestic abuse often gets swept under the carpet, making it even more important to highlight what a massive issue this in within our communities, our family, friends, neighbours.

There is a common belief that domestic abuse is physical violence.

But the abuse can manifest itself in several guises and the perpetrator chooses how to assert power and control over a victim.

It’s not uncommon for a person to be subjected to several types of abuse.

Natasha Moyles, SWA’s refuge manager, said: “They will instil fear and prevent you from being able to make your own choices.

“You become trapped and your self esteem will become so low you will feel worthless and may feel there is no way out.”

SWA says the coronavirus pandemic has made the problem worse, with abuse increasing in prevalence and severity and hiding behind closed doors.

Victims have been locked in their homes, away from any respite from their perpetrator.

For support and information call Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service’s 24-hour helpline on 01793 610610. Call 999 in an emergency.