Rural women 'susceptible to abuse'
Nearly half the members of the Women's Institute (WI) have suffered violent or sexual attacks or know a victim, research has said.
A third of these cases involved domestic violence and 18% were rape or sexual assault.
The WI, the UK's largest voluntary women's organisation, surveyed its members as part of a research project with Bristol University into violence against women living in rural areas.
Almost a quarter of those polled agreed that women in rural areas were particularly susceptible to abuse, with gaps in the support services not adequately protecting those living outside urban areas.
Deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman, Minister for Women, will address members at a WI conference to raise awareness of the impact of violent crimes against women.
Ms Harman said: "Fewer crimes and more convictions is the trend we want to see continue. But we have to continue to challenge reactionary attitudes - that domestic violence is a private matter between husband and wife and we shouldn't intervene, or that she has bought it on herself. Whatever happens in a relationship, domestic violence should never be excused."
The WI members surveyed were critical of the support services for victims with 90% feeling the police did not give the support they needed, and just 6% receiving the necessary counselling.
Fay Mansell, chairman of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI), said: "WI members come from all walks of life. This survey shows that violence can affect any woman and is not just confined to women in poverty or on the fringes of society.
"For too long, women have been suffering in silence, afraid or ashamed to seek help. We need to show them that they are not alone."
The research surveyed 143 WI members in June this year.
