A WEST Devon women?s organisation has issued a New Year?s message to those living in fear of domestic violence. West Devon Women?s Aid say while for many Christmas was a joyful time, there were women and children for whom the festive season was a time of increased risk of violence. Were you walking on egg shells, spending much of Christmas trying to appease an abusive partner? Was it difficult trying to find party clothes which covered bruises? Were the children afraid to make too much noise? Marilyn MacCulloch, of West Devon?s women?s outreach project, says these are just some of the signs that all is not well. Domestic violence affects one in three women in the UK. Children are often in the same or adjacent room. Marion said: ?Christmas may be over: he has returned to work, the children are back at school. But the abuse will continue. What do you do now?? To talk to someone in confidence, to offload worries or discuss options, call the confidential helpline on 01837 55228.