Additional help for domestic abuse victims

Gwent Police is providing additional safety measures to more than 1,200 domestic abuse victims to help them feel safer in their own homes.

The force will be giving safety packs to victims of domestic abuse, domestic violence, and stalking and harassment across Gwent. The packs will include a video doorbell, a door jar, a personal alarm with a torch, along with personal safety advice and details of support services.

The packs are part of a victim safety project being funded from £150,000 secured from the Welsh Government’s violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence capital grant.

These safety packs will be in addition to safeguarding measures already being carried out by police and support services. Domestic abuse victims who are in the higher-risk category can currently access similar target hardening support through existing services.

Detective Inspector Chris Back, from the domestic abuse safeguarding team, said:

“Supporting victims of domestic abuse and bringing offenders to justice remains a priority for us here in Gwent Police. These abhorrent crimes can leave victims feeling extremely vulnerable inside their own homes and in the communities in which they live.

“We work closely with partner agencies to provide support and safeguard victims of domestic abuse. Everyone should feel protected and safe; we hope these additional safety measures will provide reassurance and comfort to those who need it.

“No one should suffer in silence – if you are experiencing domestic abuse please come forward, we will listen and keep you safe. Now more than ever, we all need to look out for one another - if you have concerns that a family member, a friend or a colleague is a victim of domestic abuse, please speak out.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Home should be a place of safety but, sadly, for many victims of domestic abuse we know that is not the case.

“Supporting victims of domestic abuse is a key priority for us and this extra funding from Welsh Government will enable Gwent Police to provide victims with an additional layer of protection to help keep them safe in their homes.”

You can report domestic abuse to us on:
• 101
• Online
• through direct message on Twitter and Facebook
• 999 in an emergency

Speak to #LiveFearFree in confidence:
0808 80 10 800