Research published by children's charity, Barnado's Cymru shows that half the pupils surveyed at one north Wales secondary school, were affected by domestic abuse.

The report entitled Bitter Legacy, highlights the emotional impact on children who witness domestic violence.

Barnado's is calling for children to be given greater protection from violence by the government.

Here 'Jane' from Swansea tells how she had a kettle of boiling water poured over her and frequently hit.

She was then almost killed by her ex-boyfriend when she told him she was pregnant.

When I wasn't on something, I'd cut myself - a couple of times I tried to slash my wrists Jane, abuse victim

"After my mum's boyfriend threw a kettle of water over me, I had to go in to hospital for a few days and after that I was taken in to care," she said.

The man at her second set of foster parents had a really bad temper.

"I got hit a lot - I was terrified of him," she said.

"I told my social worker what was happening, but I had no marks to prove it, so I had to stay.

"No-one believed what I was saying," she added.

'Crying'

After four years, Jane moved into a children's home but was drinking, smoking drugs and taking pills.

"They were the only things that made me feel better - I was depressed a lot of the time.

"When I wasn't on something, I'd cut myself - a couple of times I tried to slash my wrists," she added.

Because I've had violence all my life, maybe I didn't do the same thing as someone else would have done Jane, abuse victim

Counselling sessions did not help, and Jane was moved to a different home, before getting a council flat when she was 16.

She had a steady boyfriend but he got angry when he told her she was pregnant.

"He kicked me in the stomach as hard as he could," she said.

"I fell to the floor and started crying, but he just kept hitting me and screaming at me.

"I tried to get away, but he had me by the hair and dragged me over to the window.

"We were on the fourth floor so I knew a fall would kill me.

I'm feeling happier now and more optimistic about the future Jane, abuse victim

"The only thing that saved me was a small ledge that I managed to get my feet on and I clung on with my hands and scream for help," she added.

Jane was rescued after neighbours had called the fire brigade, but she refused to press charges.

"I was too scared to get the police involved," she said.

"Because I've had violence all my life, maybe I didn't do the same thing as someone else would have done.

"It's almost like you're not surprised when someone is like that to you."

Jane's mother is currently looking after her baby, and she is hoping to leave Swansea.

"I'm feeling happier now and more optimistic about the future," she added.

Barnardo's works with over 100,000 children, young people and their families in more than 300 projects across the country.