Every day in this country, almost 30 women attempt suicide as a direct result of experiencing domestic violence.  Every week, three women take their own lives to escape abuse.

We are calling on the Government to develop a legal route for the successful prosecution of domestic violence perpetrators whose victims commit suicide.

Gurda’s story

Gurda Dhaliwal hanged herself on 22 February 2005, after experiencing years of abuse at the hands of her husband, Harcharan Dhaliwal.  Her body was found with injuries from a recent assault. 

Harcharan was indicted with manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, but the case did not proceed to trial after medical experts involved were unable to unanimously agree that Gurda was suffering from a psychiatric illness at the time of her death. 

Refuge is working with Gurda’s brother Nav Jagpal, and with TV Presenter and survivor of domestic violence Wendy Turner Webster, to campaign for change. Please sign our petition now to hold violent abusers accountable for taking lives.

If you have been personally affected by this issue, please get in touch by emailing press@refuge.org.uk or leaving a comment on the campaign Facebook page.