Domestic Abuse Plan Unveiled

Victims of forced marriage and honour based violence in Swansea are a new priority in the city's Domestic Abuse Action Plan.

This theme is joined by a new focus on providing support for male and elderly victims.

The plan was officially launched on Friday, November 21, at the Guildhall, Swansea.

It has been developed by the Swansea Domestic Abuse Forum, which is part of the Safer Swansea Partnership. The forum includes representatives from police, social services, Women's Aid, BME groups, housing and survivors whose input helps ensure the services provided are fit for purpose.

Domestic Abuse Coordinator Shehla Khan said: "We are delighted to be unveiling this plan, which has been produced by a wide range of agencies.

"We have already achieved such a lot in Swansea, so the new action plan is much more stream-lined and focuses on what we hope to achieve in the future."

Domestic abuse can be physical, psychological, financial or sexual. It can be controlling a partner or a family member, gaining power through psychological abuse, controlling money or forcing sex.

In the last three months (August to October) there have been 1,064 domestic abuse incidents reported – 526 of which were alcohol related.

Domestic Abuse Coordinator Ali Morris said: "It is positive news that people are finding the strength to report abuse. I believe this is a clear indicator that people have faith in the services and support on offer in Swansea and this new action plan will hopefully give strength and support to many more people who are suffering domestic abuse."

The plan follows on from the Safer Swansea Domestic Abuse Strategy Laying the Foundations, which mapped out ways to tackle domestic abuse through the strands of protection and support, prevention of abuse, perpetrator accountability and accommodation and support.

Key achievements from the previous strategy Laying the Foundations are:

• Specialist Domestic Violence Courts whereby police, the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates and other support services work to support victims and help bring more offenders to justice
• New Safe Houses – Women's Aid now has three safe houses and provides outreach service to women suffering domestic abuse
• Opening of the first BME Women's Refuge and Safe House in Swansea
• A Domestic Abuse Worker for young people has been appointed and works from Info Nation on Kingsway to provide support and information for young people suffering from direct or indirect domestic abuse.
• A Sanctuary scheme was launched in 2007 to provide extra security measures to allow domestic abuse survivors to stay in their own homes safely.

To view the action plan visit www.saferswansea.org.uk

To report domestic abuse call:

• Wales Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 80 10 8000
• Domestic Abuse Unit on 01792 323232.

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