Unlike the man in Aware's video, Ms Rachel Chung's violent ex-husband did not abuse her in public.

But the violent fights which happened at home were loud enough for neighbours to hear, says the survivor of domestic abuse.

Still, no one called the police and her family members refused to get involved.

Once, the fight was so bad that she had to be hospitalised.

That's why the Aware video strikes a chord with Ms Chung, 37, the founder of Wave, which empowers abused women and at-risk youth by providing employment opportunities.

Reflecting on the video, she says it was "depressing" that many people walked by the couple without taking a second look.

"I don't see what's stopping people from just going up to the woman and expressing some concern, perhaps asking her if she is alright or whether she wants to take a breather in the ladies' room.

"I understand that in deciding whether to intervene, there may be the fear of getting embarrassed or humiliated, or being accused of butting in another person's business. But there's nothing stopping people from calling the police," she remarks.

In her case, the abuse started with insults and put-downs, often laced with profanity, after she got married.

It soon escalated - from her ex-husband shoving her to make a point to him slapping and punching her.

Once, he pushed her so hard that she fell and hit her head against the edge of a cabinet. The injury landed her in hospital for four days for observation.

It was only when he flung her daughter against the wall in one episode that she decided enough was enough.

It has been five years since this social entrepreneur got out of her abusive eightyear marriage.

Ms Chung, who volunteers with Aware to help women who are victims of domestic abuse, believes support from those around you cannot be underestimated, even if it is emotional or moral support.

"Having my grandmother, who was very supportive of me, really helped.

She could not do much because of her old age and ailing health, but she continually told me I didn't have to take the abuse I was receiving, and it affirmed my worth.

"This, while he was repeatedly reminding me that no one else would want me if I left him and I was simply not good enough."

Ms Chung, who was named Aware's Heroine of the Year 2013, adds: "Having a support network of people who will listen to you and offer advice and encouragement really helps give the victim the strength and extra push to leave the marriage when she is finally ready."

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