LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day 2021
Protecting victims of abuse is very important to me and supporting victims is one of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.
Today, Friday 28 May marks LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day, which is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to protect all our communities. Abuse can affect anyone and I will not tolerate abuse of any kind.
All victims feel scared, isolated, and vulnerable. I was saddened to read in a recent report commissioned by Gwent Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence team which highlighted that LGBTQ+ communities are often not reporting incidents of abuse. This is something that I want to be taken seriously. We must listen to the findings of the report. LGBTQ+ communities must be supported to identify the signs of abuse and have confidence in reporting abuse.
The impact of such abuse can be devastating, so I am proud to provide funding to services such as Umbrella Cymru which offers specialist advice and person-centrered support to LGBTQ+ communities. My office has also been integral to the creation of the only multi agency victim’s hub in Wales, Connect Gwent. This provides victims with advice, advocacy, support, and guidance, whether they choose to report incidents to the police or not.
We must shine a light on the support available to LGBTQ+ communities and make the invisible victims, visible.
Please don’t suffer in silence. Report incidents to Gwent Police via 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
More information on a range of services that can provide advice and support:
Live Fear Free
Free 24/7 confidential helpline: 0808 08 10 800
Text: 07860077333
Email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
Live chat: https://gov.wales/live-fear-free
Connect Gwent
Website: www.umbrellacymru.co.uk/connect-gwen
Email: connectgwent@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Phone: 0300 123 2133
Umbrella Cymru
Call: 0300 302 3670
Email: support@umbrellacymru.co.uk
Text: 07520645700
Galop
National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender + (LGBT+)
Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Confidential web chat: www.galop.org.uk