The local NHS is asking residents to remember that for many people, Valentine’s Day is not a time of love, affection or romance. For many, domestic violence is a very real fear and Valentine’s Day is no exception.

So this Valentine’s Day, 14 February, the NHS is launching a campaign with its own card, featuring the telephone numbers and details of national and local domestic violence services. The cards will be distributed to health visiting teams and GPs across the area for them to give to clients and patients.

 "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who have been partners or family members, is domestic violence,” says Victoria Hill, domestic violence lead for NHS outer north east London. “This includes so called 'honour based violence', female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Domestic violence doesn’t just stop because it’s Valentine’s Day.

“Domestic violence happens right here on our doorstep and has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of victims and their children. The hidden cost to the NHS across our area in responding to domestic violence is estimated to be a massive £29.6million a year.”

If you, or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can get help to make it stop. Call Refuge on 020 8507 7400, Refuge Floating Support Service on 020 8593 8559, Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy service on 020 8591 3498 or the Domestic Violence Intervention Project on 020 7633 0027