MODEL Danielle Lloyd must be commended for bravely releasing a photo of herself taken after she had been beaten by her then boyfriend. Danielle decided to speak out about her abusive two-year relationship a week after a photo was leaked of singer Rihanna

MODEL Danielle Lloyd must be commended for bravely releasing a photo of herself taken after she had been beaten by her then boyfriend.

Danielle decided to speak out about her abusive two-year relationship a week after a photo was leaked of singer Rihanna's bruised face following an argument with her boyfriend, Chris Brown.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, from all walks of life, and at any time.

Figures show that one in four women will be victims, and an average of two are killed every week.

It's hard to imagine why someone would stay in an abusive relationship, but when you really think about it there are many reasons - love, fear, denial, children, religion, to name but a few.

By those in the public eye speaking out about their own experiences of domestic violence, they will encourage others to do the same and help stop the cycle of abuse.

But it is also important to realise that, while domestic violence is inexcusable, not all abusers are bad people, and their actions may be a cry for help.

Some carry the baggage of a tumultuous childhood, some have mental health problems, while others are alcohol-dependent or drug users.

It is perhaps unwise to view cases of domestic violence in black and white and be immediately judgmental.

Offering an abuser the support to reform is surely the most effective way of breaking a cycle of abuse.