White Ribbon Day story of survival

ANGELA Barker was so violently assaulted by her ex-boyfriend when she was 16 that she had to spend three years in hospital recovering from horrific injuries.She now needs an electronic wheelchair and a keyboard to communicate at length. As the Wagga Women's Health Centre commemorated White Ribbon Day � international day for violence against women � yesterday, Miss Barker, now 24, told her story of survival as a woman who was in a violent relationship.Generalist counsellor at the Wagga Women's Health Centre Liz Pardey said the control and fear that Miss Barker experienced is common around Australia and those affected women needed to speak out."Women can suffer depression, anxiety, low self esteem and substance abuse from staying in these relationships," she said"Women mustn't give in to violent relationships."Ms Pardey said Miss Barker "had a mind of her own" and wouldn't let police, counsellors or her parents tell her to escape the relationship."Angela couldn't see what was happening to her," she said. "It is all about respect and equality in relationships but so many women fail to recognise what they are experiencing."It isn't just about bruising and physical abuse � it is about stalking, intimidation and emotional and social abuse as well," she said. In 2005 the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded that 33 per cent of women experience domestic violence after the age of 15. Ms Pardey said Wagga figures for violence against women are higher than the state average because there had been a rise in the number of women speaking out."There are more incidents being reported but the whole issue is still under-reported,"?she said.Ms Pardey said a wide range of services for women were available in Wagga. Support and counselling is available at the Wagga Women's Health Centre on 6921 3333.