One of the most significant problems for victims in confronting domestic violence is that, by definition, they are emotionally close to the perpetrator.

For some women seeking to escape the abuse - often with their children - the only option is to leave their own home.

Jewish Women's Aid (JWA) runs the only Kosher refuge in Europe which, although it admits women of any race or faith, is able to allow Jewish women to escape violent relationships while continuing to observe their religion.

The refuge has eight beds for women, 14 for their children and is constantly full, highlighting the extent of a problem that remains one of society's hidden scourges.

But according to Abigail Morris, 42, chief executive of JWA, the Jewish community lags behind in accepting that it takes place.

"It's only relatively recently that domestic violence has been seen as a real problem and culturally has been seen as not acceptable.

"It has been swept under the carpet for so long, particularly in ethnic minority communities.

"The Jewish community liked to believe that it didn't happen and that made it very hard for people to come forward."

A reluctance for victims to come forward is a common feature of domestic violence, with the Home Office estimating that victims are subjected to an average of 35 incidents before they seek help.

"The evidence suggests Jewish women don't want to admit there's anything wrong with their marriage," Mrs Morris added.

"A Jewish home is supposed to be a place of peace and tranquility and they don't want to be seen to be upsetting that.

"A lot of these men who abuse are very charming and upstanding members of the community.

"Women fear that if they tell people what's happening, people will say well, it can't be his fault because he is so nice' and they'll be blamed."

In an effort to address these perceptions, JWA undertakes education projects in schools, meeting around 2,000 children each year.

The programme aims to teach pupils about the fundamentals of healthy relationships and bring the issue of domestic violence into the open.

Mrs Morris believes that in any classroom, between three and five children will have been affected by domestic abuse.

She also believes JWA is often contacted by children or women as a result of its outreach projects.

She added: "There is always going to be conflict in a relationship and giving young people the tools to deal with that is important. If their parents haven't had a good relationship, then they haven't seen how it works.

"They see the Hollywood presentation of relationships, but not how they work in practice."

JWA also runs a community support service to offer women advice, counselling and present them with options available to them.

It is launching a publicity campaign, publishing information packs and placing adverts in the press to highlight the issue of domestic violence in the Jewish community and encourage Jewish men to join its campaign board.

"I'm excited about the campaign because if we're going to stop domestic violence we need to include men," said Mrs Morris.

"The message I want to give out is that we're making things better."

u JWA's free, confidential helpline is available from 9.30am to 9.30pm on Monday to Thursday on 0800 591203. Outside these hours, messages are collected daily. In an emergency always dial 999.