Welsh Women’s Aid welcomes the news that the Gwent Police are going to be working with Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) to support individuals who call the police when attending an incident involving domestic abuse.
The IDVA’s will be able to attend reports and offer support to the women, from gathering their personal items if they need to leave the house, accompanying them to hospital if needed, helping the individuals to access safe accommodation, as well as putting them in touch with direct services who can help after the incident.
Welsh Women’s Aid hopes the learning from this project can be rolled out across Wales, allowing more women to get support as soon as possible from experts who are trained in violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
There can be no excuse for one person to exert power and control over another using any form of psychological, emotional, sexual or physical violence. Anyone affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or any other form of violence against women in Wales can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or via its webchat provision for 24-hour, confidential information and support, and help to access local services across the country.