Cash fears for beaten women

POST-Christmas financial troubles are keeping women from leaving abusive partners, research has shown.

The Edinburgh-based Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline said hundreds of calls were made citing money problems as the reason why they couldn't leave.

Co-ordinator Lynda Bell said: "Christmas is an expensive time of year for everyone, but some women experiencing abuse will buy more presents for the children to try to make up for the tensions in the home."