THE case of the violent Bolton man sent to prison for two years for making his wife’s life hell highlights the reality of domestic abuse today.

He physically and emotionally abused her, forcing her to lie to doctors, family and friends about her injuries during a 10-year relationship. It was all about control and she was made to believe everything was her fault.

This is how abusers work and why Bolton refuge’s organisation Fortalice is instructing youngsters in schools on Healthy Relationships.

The truth is that we will never break the cycle until children learn the reality of their behaviour.