Sir, - As an ex battered wife of 20 years, now free thanks to help, therapy and counselling, I am appalled by the lack of financial help from the Government. All this talk about money to fund research is not what is needed. We need adequate safe houses where the women and children can go while they get the help they need to start new lives. And it should be compulsory for the police to arrest and charge men without their wives' permission, as most are terrified to take that step, for fear of reprisals. It is a life of terror for many. - Yours, etc., Mrs Kelly,
Blackrock, Co. Dublin.