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Welsh Government and police forces unite to protect victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence this Christmas

Llywodraeth Cymru a’r heddlu yn uno i warchod dioddefwyr cam-drin domestig a thrais rhywiol y Nadolig hwn

Domestic abuse and sexual violence will not go away over this festive period.

Times of crisis can result in an increase in incidents of domestic violence, and Christmas and the holiday period may be a time of dread, fear and isolation for victims of violence and abuse.

While Covid-19 and restrictions have not caused domestic abuse to happen, evidence shows that being shut behind closed doors with abusers, 24 hours a day, has made things worse, and increased the risk to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, today asked friends and neighbours to look out for signs of domestic abuse, and encouraged victims and survivors to seek help and escape from their homes if necessary.

Jane Hutt said:

“Now, more than ever, I urge communities, friends, neighbours, postal workers and delivery drivers across Wales to look out for others in the community, and to act as the eyes and ears for victims of abuse who need help. Please look behind the Christmas lights and present deliveries, and if you see fear in the eyes the other side of the door, you can help by calling 999 in an emergency, or the Live Fear Free helpline. You could be saving a life.

“Specialist services remain open and are available to help victims of violence or abuse throughout the Christmas period, and during the period of restrictions which will follow. Perpetrator services, which work to prevent incidents of domestic abuse from happening, also remain open and will continue to provide support.

“You will not be in trouble if you need to leave your home to seek help at any time, and specialist services are open and operating, refuges will take referrals, and support is available to help you.

“I want to emphasise this – if you are in danger or need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse, you should do so – you will not be in trouble. You can travel wherever necessary, and specialist services can help find you suitable emergency accommodation and support.

“Police forces right across Wales are responding to domestic abuse and sexual violence callouts. If is not safe for victims to speak, police will respond to a silent 999 call – dial 999, followed by 55 when the operator answers to indicate that you can’t talk, but need help.

“The Live Fear Free helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day, including Christmas and the New Year, for support and advice. Home shouldn’t be a place of fear. Support is available. You are not alone.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Alun Michael, said:

“We know that incidents of domestic violence and abuse increase at times when families and couples spend more time together at home.

"So, while many of us are looking forward to the opportunity to form a ‘Christmas bubble’ with loved ones, even if we can only catch up virtually, for others the festive period means spending even more time with a partner or family member who causes them harm.

“We want you to know that the Police and Welsh Government are united in tackling the problem vigorously, even during the holiday period and even during the Pandemic.”

South Wales Police Chief Constable, Jeremy Vaughan, said:

“If you are hurting your partner, child or another family member, I urge you to get help to change your behaviour because we will not tolerate domestic violence and abuse.

“Protecting vulnerable people is our number one priority, and despite the challenges the coronavirus crisis has presented, I want to reassure our communities that we are still responding to incidents, we are still arresting abusers, and we are still charging abusers.

“We know it can be difficult to talk about what is happening behind closed doors, however if you can take that first step and contact the police or the Live Fear Free service, we will work with you to keep you safe.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said:

“Sadly we know that Christmas can be a time of fear for many.

“This year we are particularly concerned as we know that cases of rape, sexual violence and domestic abuse have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If you are experiencing abuse, or suspect someone you know is being abused, then please don’t suffer in silence; help is available. I would urge you to call the Live Fear Free helpline, and always call 999 in an emergency.”

Notes to editors

Notes for editors

 

The Home Shouldn’t be a place of Fear campaign will re-launch on 28 December, with messages across TV (ITV, Sky Smart Ad, S4C), Radio and digital advertising, reminding victims and bystanders that support services and the Live Fear Free helpline are still operating.

How to get help

If you or someone you know is suffering physical or emotional abuse at the hands of a partner, here are some ways to get help:

  • If you can’t talk in safety, but you need help immediately, police forces across Wales will respond to a silent 999 call – dial 999, followed by 55 when the operator answers to indicate that you can’t talk, but need help.
  • Signs that abuse is happening behind closed doors could include repeated shouting, sounds of things being hit, smashed or broken, and continuing crying or pleas to stop. Victims might have cuts or bruises, look confused or dishevelled, or be anxious or withdrawn.
  • If you suspect that someone, whether child or adult, is suffering abuse, harm, neglect, harassment, control, physical violence or emotional abuse at the hands of a family member or partner, please call 999 if it’s an emergency, or seek support on Welsh Government’s ‘reporting suspected abuse, harm or neglect site’ here - https://gov.wales/reporting-suspected-abuse-harm-or-neglect-safeguarding.
  • If you are worried about your own behaviour, you can get non-judgemental help by contacting the Respect Phoneline: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/ Tel: 0808 8024 040

For domestic violence or sexual violence support, please contact:

  • The Live Fear Free helpline is a free 24/7 service for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence and those close to them, including family, friends and colleagues.  It remains open and offering a full service throughout Christmas and the lockdown which follows.
  • Police – 999 in an emergency
  • Silent 999: If you can’t talk in safety, but you need help immediately, police forces across Wales will respond to a silent 999 call – dial 999, and when the operator answers, dial 55 to indicate that you can’t talk, but need help.
  • Welsh Government’s ‘Reporting suspected abuse, harm or neglect site’ here
  • The NSPCC can be contacted by phone at: 0808 800 5000 or at nspcc.org.uk.
  • Meic is a confidential, anonymous, and free bilingual helpline service, providing advice, information and support for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales. Lines are open 8am - midnight, 7 days a week, by phone 080880 25456, SMS text 84001 and instant messaging https://www.meiccymru.org
  • Childline is a free, private and confidential service to anyone under 19 in the UK where they can talk about anything. https://www.childline.org.uk/ where support is also delivered via webpages and message boards.

The Childline number is: 0800 1111.

You can speak to a real person and get the support you need, or chat about any concerns you may be having.

  • The Safer Wales Dyn project provides support to Heterosexual, Gay, Bisexual and Trans men who are experiencing Domestic abuse from a partner.

http://www.dynwales.org/contact-dyn-project/?contentID=577   Tel: 0808 801 0321

  • The Bawso helpline offers support to BAME victims and survivors affected by domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women.

https://bawso.org.uk/contact-us/ Tel: 08007318147