New data commissioned by domestic abuse charity Refuge reveals the scale of domestic abuse is significantly underestimated, with only a quarter of UK adults (26%) aware that 1 in 4 women will experience it in their lifetime.

While nearly 80% of people would report physical abuse, when it comes to the less obvious forms of domestic abuse, such as coercive and controlling behaviour, as well as technology-facilitated, economic, and psychological abuse, recognition is far lower. Just 39%1 of people say they would report these less understood forms of abusive behaviour.

The survey also highlights that younger people, in particular, are less likely to spot the warning signs of abuse – only 57% of 18-24-year-olds consider ‘sharing images of them without consent’ to be abuse, compared to 88% of those aged over 55.

Men are also far less likely to recognise the subtle signs of economic abuse than women, with only 64% identifying ‘closely monitoring or tracking someone’s spending’ as abuse, compared to 80% of women.

In response to these findings, which underscore the urgent need for greater awareness of the many forms of domestic abuse, Refuge is unveiling a powerful new campaign for International Women’s Day (IWD), aimed at exposing the hidden dangers women face in abusive relationships.

The huge installation – created by London-based agency AMV BBDO in partnership with Pixel Artworks – will be hosted in Outernet London’s flagship digital exhibition space, The Now Building in Charing Cross Road, from 10am-8pm on Saturday 8 March.

Featuring up to 100 physical red flags, each displaying a quote from a domestic abuse survivor, it will show that many forms of domestic abuse go unrecognised, unseen, unreported, and untold.

The striking visuals will be accompanied by a dynamic soundscape, featuring the voices of well-known actors and TV personalities, including Olivia Colman, who won an Emmy and Golden Globe for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown; Bella Ramsay, celebrated for her role in The Last of Us; and Adjoa Andoh, known for playing Lady Danbury in the Netflix series Bridgerton. Their powerful renditions of survivors’ words will bring the campaign to life in a truly immersive experience.

Bringing the physical and digital worlds together, this event will showcase the advanced technology of Outernet London’s immersive space, making use of the most advanced screens in the world to mirror the physical red flags, highlighting the scale of the issue.

The Red Flags installation is part of a month-long awareness campaign during which survivor experiences and content helping people better understand the toxic behaviours that can signal abuse will be shared across social media by Refuge and its ambassadors. Actor and poet Caitlin O’Ryan has also written a poem for the campaign, entitled Why Did You Stay? which she will perform live on the day.