91Èȱ¬

Press Releases & Press Packs

17.01.03

ABOUT THE 91Èȱ¬ FACTUAL & ARTS TV TV DRAMA

Hitting 91Èȱ¬ – tackling domestic violence head-on

Press pack available

For many people in the UK, domestic violence is a fact of daily life.

Hitting 91Èȱ¬ is a special 91Èȱ¬ season, from 15 to 23 February 2003, featuring bold and inspiring programmes across TV, radio and 91Èȱ¬i that will help break down the taboos and abolish the myths surrounding this sensitive subject.

Working closely with the relevant specialist agencies, Hitting 91Èȱ¬ brings to the fore the many issues involved in abusive relationships, showing that anyone can be affected, irrespective of age, gender, sexuality or social status.

As well as informing a wider public, Hitting 91Èȱ¬ provides encouragement and support for all those affected by domestic violence.

Lorraine Heggessey, Controller 91Èȱ¬ ONE, says: "Hitting 91Èȱ¬ is a significant landmark in 91Èȱ¬ ONE's Winter schedule. We are hoping that it will increase awareness and understanding of this issue that affects so many, yet is so often swept under the carpet."

Through real-life stories, expert advice and celebrity testimony, Hitting 91Èȱ¬ features in primetime and Daytime 91Èȱ¬ ONE programming, storylines in Casualty and Neighbours, a powerful, intimate documentary, Dangerous Love – Tales Of Domestic Violence, Hitting 91Èȱ¬ – Trevor And Little Mo and Panorama.

C91Èȱ¬ shows a specially-written drama and Newsround feature; Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 4, the Asian Network, 1Xtra and 91Èȱ¬ Local Radio are all making programmes for Hitting 91Èȱ¬; there's a 91Èȱ¬ THREE documentary; Storyville on 91Èȱ¬ FOUR; and films on 91Èȱ¬ ONE, 91Èȱ¬ TWO and 91Èȱ¬ FOUR.

Further support, advice and features are available on an extensive website - www.bbc.co.uk/hittinghome (live on Wednesday 5 February) - and from a freephone advice line - 08000 934 934.

Seetha Kumar, Head of 91Èȱ¬ Lifeskills, explains: "Domestic violence is a subject the 91Èȱ¬ can explore in an accessible way – through popular soaps, children's drama, documentaries and radio programmes – to help break down taboos.

"Looking not only at the misery it causes, but also at the bravery survivors' stories offer, and perpetrators facing responsibility, it's important that Hitting 91Èȱ¬ offers hope, and reflects the universality of the issue – domestic violence affects us all and is all of our problem."

There are the practicalities, for example, finding refuge and accommodation and battling through a minefield of legal issues, which can seem like an endless uphill struggle.

So numerous are the consequences of domestic violence that the burden it places on society, both economically and socially, is virtually impossible to quantify.

Kacey Ainsworth (EastEnders' Little Mo) says: "It is time more people realise that domestic violence crosses all boundaries and also that it's not just about violence.

"Domestic abuse takes on many forms, such as financial, mental and physical, which are less visible and sometimes forgotten about."

Notes to Editors

The Hitting 91Èȱ¬ press pack is available below, in . You may require Adobe Acrobat Software to read PDF files which can be obtained .

91Èȱ¬ ONE, Daytime and C91Èȱ¬ (581 KB)

91Èȱ¬ THREE, 91Èȱ¬ FOUR and Films (442 KB)

91Èȱ¬ National and Local Radio (442 KB)

91Èȱ¬ Support and External Support Agencies (457 KB)

UK Events (418 KB)

Fact File (427 KB)

Pictures are available, for media use only, via the 91Èȱ¬ Press Office.

Hitting 91Èȱ¬ - a 91Èȱ¬ campaign tackling domestic violence head-on (12.12.02)

Freeview offers the 91Èȱ¬'s eight television channels, as well as six 91Èȱ¬ radio networks.

The soon to launch 91Èȱ¬ THREE will become available as it goes on air.

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