Although Christmas was a festive time for many, it wasn’t for all – particularly women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
United Welsh staff and SMK Contractors generously donated to children at Caerphilly Women’s Services, a refuge for women and young children, a car full to bursting point with presents as a gesture of good will, bringing a smile to those facing difficult circumstances at Christmas time.
A variety of presents were donated, to children of all ages. Kieran Towler, Direct Support Services Manager for United Welsh said;
“The generosity shown by United Welsh staff along with SMK contractors was overwhelming! Christmas is a very difficult time for families and individuals escaping domestic abuse, and by donating gifts, we felt as though we were making a difference for all at the refuge. All gifts were gratefully received by Caerphilly Women’s Services.”
Domestic abuse is a physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship forming a controlling behaviour.
It’s important not to forget the reason behind providing such services that help victims of domestic abuse, and why it is that Christmas is spent at a refuge rather than a home.
During December 2010 the Wales Domestic Abuse helpline managed a total of 3291 calls. This figure is a 13% increase from November’s call volume and a 45% increase from Dec 2009.
So, how often does domestic abuse take place? To give you an idea, in 2009-2010
organisations that support domestic abuse in Wales provided emergency refuge for 1247 women and 1044 children and young people fleeing domestic abuse. In the policing area of South Wales, there were 2507 cases of domestic abuse, with 70.8% of cases leading to conviction.
Domestic Abuse needs to be reduced significantly, and agencies such as Caerphilly Women’s Services play a big part in this.
Kieran Towler said: “The services provided by organisations such as Caerphilly Women’s Services offer people secure accommodation whilst they start to re-build their lives, and the work they do is invaluable.”
