The Abused

Domestic abuse has no borders. Around 2 million women, men and children across the UK live in fear. Brutal attacks happen every day and shockingly two women are murdered every week by their partners in Britain. The police are called to a domestic incident every 30 seconds.

But what is it really like to live through it?

The Abused is a 90’ documentary special that tells the story of two women, Hazel and Kelly, in real time from their first call to the police all the way to court. It reveals the abuse, the fear, the lies, the stalking, and the control and coercion that was a daily reality.

To give the audience a clear narrative and reflect accurately the national picture, the production team set out to follow two women who ring 999 in the same week and from the same area. Hugely ambitious, and potentially unprecedented, this needed remarkable access to the police, to the victims and with all the support agencies concerned, as well as having a commitment to follow events over a long period of time.

The result is a documentary that reveals the realities of what it is like to be abused by someone you once loved. Told with sensitivity and empathy, The Abused shows what it is like to live through domestic violence and come out the other side.

• Winner of Best Documentary at the world-renowned Edinburgh TV Festival
• Winner of Best Domestic Documentary, Association of International Broadcasters Awards
• Nominated for Best Single Documentary at the Royal Television Society Awards
• Nominated for Best Single Documentary at the BAFTA Awards

• The Observer: “This feature-length documentary from the people behind 2017’s The Accused is another hard-hitting factual gem…. An important film which highlights Clare’s Law, whereby people can ask police if their partner has a history of domestic violence”.
• The Sun: “It’s an important film that will help any woman trapped in an abusive relationship. Prepare to feel sad, furious and in awe of these strong women”
• The Daily Telegraph: “Harrowing but important film”
• The Sunday Times: “Raw and powerful film”
• TV Times: “Powerful one-off documentary …. A tough but important watch”