Welsh Women’s Aid welcomes renewed commitment to tackle Domestic Abuse

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» Welsh Women’s Aid welcomes renewed commitment to tackle Domestic Abuse

The 9th October 2007 saw the Government committing to reducing the number of women affected by domestic abuse, in particular, those most at risk of being killed or seriously injured by their partners.

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Welsh Women’s Aid welcomes renewed commitment to tackle Domestic Abuse

11 Oct 2007

The 9th October 2007 saw the Government committing to reducing the number of women affected by domestic abuse, in particular, those most at risk of being killed or seriously injured by their partners.

Elen Pierce, Director of Welsh Women’s Aid, said: "Welsh Women’s Aid welcomes this new commitment from the Westminster Government to tackle the most serious forms of domestic abuse. It's inclusion in the category of 'serious violent crime' is a positive development.

"People don’t realise that 1 woman in 9 is severely beaten by her male partner each year and that half of all female murder victims in the UK are killed by a partner or former partner. Furthermore, children are also deeply affected by these crimes as they are often in the room or an adjacent room when the violence takes place.

"However, there are many more women who suffer abuse at the hands of their partners who also need help. A woman’s life shouldn’t be in danger before she feels she has to involve the police or feels she is able to leave.

"This new commitment is a further step in the right direction, but to effectively tackle all forms of domestic abuse, the Government must implement an integrated national strategy, across all levels, with realistic and adequate resources to match."

Elen added, "Welsh Women's Aid believes that no one should live in fear. Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual or financial and is often not recognised or is misunderstood. If you think that you, or someone you know, might be experiencing domestic abuse then call the free, bi-lingual Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 80 10 800. The service is available 24 hours a day, is completly confidential and offers excellent support and advice."

Women’s Aid organisations in Wales provide direct support in the community and in refuge to thousands of women and their children who have or who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Notes for Editors: On the 9^th October 2007 the Government announced a new set of Public Service Agreements (PSA) setting out the key priority outcomes the Government wants to achieve in the next spending period (2008-2011). Priority Action 1 in ‘PSA 23: Making Communities Safer’ is "Reduce the most serious violence, including tackling serious sexual offences and domestic violence". See http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/9/4/pbr_csr07_psa23.pdf for full details.