Domestic Abuse affects people from all walks of life regardless of their social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds. It can include all kinds of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse. The vast majority of victims of domestic abuse are women, however, men are also victims as are children and young people living in homes where domestic abuse takes place. While most forms of Domestic Abuse are first and foremost a crime, tackling it requires action not just from the police and the Criminal Justice System, but from a large number of agencies and services, including key Local Government services.
The publication in 2005 of the Welsh Assembly Government’s All Wales Domestic Abuse Strategy was a significant step forward for addressing the issue of Domestic Abuse in Wales. The Strategy recognised the need and importance of key agencies – including local authorities – working together to help tackle Domestic Abuse. The Strategy also correctly identified Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) as the driver for its aims and objectives. Since 2005 each CSP in Wales has prioritised Domestic Abuse within their Community Safety Strategies and Plans. Taken together, there is a myriad of work ongoing amongst CSPs in Wales to address Domestic Abuse locally.
The coordination of Domestic Abuse activity within local authorities and CSPs has been greatly enhanced by the creation of Domestic Abuse Coordinator posts within every local authority in Wales, which are funded by the WAG. One of the principle roles of Domestic Abuse Coordinators is to coordinate local Domestic Abuse Forums which develop the domestic abuse strategies and plans for the local area.
In addition to the development and implementation of the All Wales Domestic Abuse Strategy other key Government initiatives to help address domestic abuse include:
- The introduction of Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs)
- The establishment of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs)
- The opening of a number of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)