As domestic abuse cases rise in Wales, it’s time to spread awareness and encourage men to take a stand against said violence.
Wales has a domestic abuse crisis that needs to be addressed, according to the organizer of an event last week to highlight the impact it can have across society.
The day was organized by the domestic abuse charity White Ribbon to discuss what can be done to help women escape what is often a cycle of abusive relationships.
“A lot of it is cyclic. You come out of one relationship, you don’t understand what you have been through, and go straight into another one. It’s important that women know how to save themselves because only women can save themselves,” said event organizer Gauri Taylor Nair.
She believes the key is getting more people to talk about the problem. “The reason I do this is because it’s a hidden taboo,” says Gauri, who has personal experience of domestic abuse. “It’s hidden under this ‘we are respectable, civilized community’ but it’s not.” She believes that the issue lies with men failing to understand women, which can be overcome if educated.
Former Lord Mayor of Cardiff Graham Hinchey, who attended the event, said that everyone, especially men, should call out violence against women.
“Talk to your sons and the young people you come across. Male teachers can talk to their male pupils,” said Mr. Hinchey. He believes that when more people open up about their personal experiences, more people will be aware of it.
According to the 2019/20 reports by the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, over 30,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported in South Wales, with 65% of them being female victims. 2022/23 reports by the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), 1.4 million women aged 16 and up have suffered domestic violence.
“Far too many people losing lives and young girls as well as older women,” said the former lord mayor. “We need to do something about it,” he said.
Bonnie Williams, director of Housing Justice Cymru believes that there is a real connection between domestic abuse and homelessness. While a house is a place of safety and belongingness for many, it isn’t for all. “For those women experiencing abuse, it’s often within the household and therefore can become a place of fear,” she said. She also said that when these women flee, they’re at a higher risk of homelessness. “Unfortunately, many of the services available for women don’t often meet their needs, so women can often end up in hidden homelessness.”
Hannah Evans, a policy officer from the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner said, “We know that domestic abuse exists in our community, so it’s particularly difficult for victims and survivors to come to the police, to speak up, and to get help.” She said that it’s up to them to support them and they will help and support the victims out, should they need that.
Welsh Women’s Aid, in order to eradicate violence against women, has introduced the ‘Ask me’ project. Lauren Davies, project co-ordinator from Welsh Women’s Aid said that the project aims at people wanting to be activists and help break silence and raise awareness about domestic abuse and sexual violence against women.
If you want to find out more about the ‘Ask Me’ project by Welsh Women’s Aid, go to https://welshwomensaid.org.uk/change-that-lasts/ask-me-project/