Welsh Women's Aid formally launched their 'Face Facts' campaign today, on the International Day to End Violence Against Women. Members of the Welsh Assembly volunteered to be made up to look like victims of violence.

Nationally acclaimed make up artist Diana McDonald put make up on eight AMs to show the physical affects of violence, like cuts and bruises.

Paula Hardy, Chief Executive of Welsh Women's Aid said, "

Paula Hardy, chief executive of Welsh Women’s Aid, said: "The scope of the Face Facts campaign is enormous. The complexities of domestic abuse and the impact it has on women and children should not be underestimated – and it can happen to anyone.

"We hope that these images of women in public life encourage other women to seek advice and information. I would like to thank all the AMs who volunteered their time to contribute to the campaign."

Ms Hardy said domestic violence affects one in four women at some point in their life, yet it is still often ignored and many women are suffering in silence.

She added: "Domestic abuse is not only about physical abuse – many women are psychologically abused by their partners, yet no one can see the emotional scars. Domestic abuse ruins the lives of thousands of women and children every year in Wales and women need to know that there is help available for them out there."

Diana MacDonald, who works on Casualty and The Bill, said, "The women who've taken part in this campaign have been very brave to show how they might look if they were on the receiving end of the physical effects of domestic abuse.

"But for women actually experiencing domestic violence, very few people will see their injuries. I hope this campaign shows that domestic violence can happen to any woman, regardless of her age or background and that by speaking out against domestic violence we can all make a difference."

Paula Hardy added, "Women and their children who are victims of abuse often feel too scared or ashamed to tell anyone, or feel that no-one can help. Friends and family may not want to admit it’s a problem or feel embarrassed to talk about it. Doctors, nurses, health visitors see it all the time but often don’t ask the vital questions.

"It is vital that people acknowledge the problem; by doing so we can start to actually deal with it and get women the help they really need."

Statistics demonstrate that:

One in every four women in Wales and England will experience domestic abuse by their partner or ex-partner at some time in their life;

In the UK, two women a week are murdered by a partner or ex-partner;

Incidents of domestic abuse make up nearly a quarter of violent crime and a woman will be assaulted on average 35 times before reporting it to the police.

For women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse and are ready to seek information and support, the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a 24-hour, free, bilingual and confidential service. The Helpline, which can be contacted on 0808 80 10 800, is managed by Welsh Women’s Aid and funded and supported by the Assembly Government.

Face Facts will be running until the end of the year and includes hard hitting adverts for the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline, which are playing on digital screens in shopping centres across Cardiff.

The AM's that took part were, Eleanor Burnham, Helen-Mary Jones, Janet Ryder, Jenny Randerson, Joyce Watson, Kirsty Williams, Leanne Wood and Nerys Evans.