NEXT Monday will be Valentine's Day, when people world-wide celebrate the happiness and security that a loving relationship can bring.

But this year, please will all Malvern Gazette readers spare a thought for those millions who are trapped in relationships that are blighted by fear and violence.

Although it is impossible to know the full extent of domestic violence in the UK, surveys indicate that in England alone over half a million incidents take place each year.

It is a horrifying fact that the emergency services receive one call about domestic violence every minute, with an average of two women being killed each week by their partners.

Amnesty International is running an ongoing campaign to raise public awareness of this terrible state of affairs; members of the public can find out more about it by logging on to Amnesty's website at www.amnesty.org.uk/svaw.

The Malvern Amnesty bookshop also has publicity and information, not only about AI's own campaign but also about local sources of advice and support from which women suffering in our own community can seek help.

For each woman receiving a card or flowers on Monday, there will be another flinching at screamed abuse or dodging a flying bottle. How much longer must this go on for?

OWEN MORGAN, acting-chairman, Malvern Hills Amnesty Group, Cowleigh Road, Malvern.