The two days after V-Day are indeed the busiest. WLS co-ordinator Angela Lynch stated that she expected a big influx of calls on the day. According to her, it was the best day for her clients to contact their ex-partners. Perpetrators of violence often used the day as an excuse to commit these acts. Flowers, cards and chocolates were very often left on the cars of victims even though there were restraining and no-contact orders in place.

"They're terrified," Ms Lynch said.

"It has a dark message for women who are escaping violence - that can mean a lot of things, they're being watched, that the relationship only ends if he says it ends,” she went on.

Always Watching

The message being sent, according to Lynch, is that the victims’ exes know what they are doing and are aware of their moments. This is against the idea of Valentine’s Day, according to Lynch, as an equal and respectful partnership is what should be celebrated.

However, it ought to be kept in mind that separation can be quite dangerous for women who experience domestic violence. If people have friends who are concerned due to something of this particular nature happening, then they ought not to be treated flippantly. Expressing concern is something that should be met with statements or gestures that say “I validate those concerns”. They should then be directed to specialist assistance.