I WOULD like to ask readers if they think it is ever excusable to hit a woman.

In Turkey excuses given by men for beating women include that they've said hello to a male friend in the street, spent too long talking to shopkeepers or have stared out of a window for a long period. Research shows violence in Turkey affects up to half of all women.

But is it really much better in Britain? On average the emergency services receive one call a minute about violence in the family and two women are killed every week by violent partners.

Amnesty International research indicates a high tolerance of violence against women. Our campaign, Stop Violence Against Women, is helping to challenge this tolerance of the intolerable.

LIZA LISHMAN

Swindon and Marlborough Amnesty International Group

The Planks

Swindon