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More than half of women in the UK are unaware of a potentially life-saving emergency helpline for victims of domestic violence who are too scared to speak out loud, reveals a new study.

Some 53 per cent of women and 49 per cent of Britons were unaware of the silent lifeline ‘999-55’, which connects victims to an operator knowing the caller is unable to call for help.

Women’s Aid has now launched a campaign, The ignored emergencyhighlighting domestic violence as a public safety crisis and highlighting the life and death stakes of this insidious crime.

It comes like The Independent continues its Brick by Brick campaign, in partnership with Refuge, the leading domestic violence charity, to raise funds to build two homes for women and children fleeing abusive partners.

The initial target of £300,000 was surpassed thanks to generous donations from readers, with more than £500,000 in donations pouring in so far and plans already underway for a second home.

Be a brick, buy a brick and donate here or text BRICK to 70560 to donate £15

The charity surveyed more than 2,200 people and found more than half of women and 49% of Brits were unaware of the phone line.

According to the research, we sought to highlight the prevalence of domestic violence: women are twice as likely to die at the hands of a partner than from smoke or gas inhalation, and more than three times as likely to be killed by a partner than by other causes. wear a seat belt.

If callers press 55 after ringing 999, the call operator transfers the call to local police who can then learn the victim’s location, allowing individuals to receive emergency help and potentially saving lives.

The line was created as a silent lifeline for situations such as domestic violence where immediate help is required but it is too dangerous for the victim to speak.

In recent years, on average, between two and three women have been killed each week by a male partner or current ex-partner in England and Wales.

Sarah Hill, chair of Women’s Aid, said: “Silence can speak volumes, and this is one case where that is particularly true. Society must come together and recognize domestic violence as an emergency, equipped with the knowledge to stand up and protect lives.

Michelle Griffith-Robinson, a former Olympic triple jump athlete and ambassador for the association, said she hoped this vital campaign and the “powerful films that have been created as part of it will be a real eye-opener for our Company “. “.

Please donate now to the Brick by Brick campaign, launched by The Independent and the charity Refuge, to help raise £300,000 to build a safe space for women where they can escape domestic violence, rebuild their lives and build a new future.

Anyone needing help or support can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline, open 24/7, 365 days a year on 0808 2000 247 or via its website