It’s not only women and children who are affected by domestic abuse, it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age ethnicity or religion.
This was the theme of the Hidden Crimes Conference held last week at the Oriel House in St Asaph.
The one day event, supported by the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership, saw delegates from across the region share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice.
Local and national keynote speakers gave presentations – raising awareness of the hidden crimes emerging in our communities. These included the harmful practice of female genital mutilation; the support available to women trafficked into the UK; as well as issues facing older victims and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
But the highlight of the day came as pupils from Rhyl High School and Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Abergele, illustrated the work they have done on projects relating to domestic abuse.
In preparation for White Ribbon Day, the year 7 pupils from the Rhyl school had written poems and prepared a mural entitled: “These hands are not for hurting,” which focussed on building safe relationships. While the group of A level drama students from Abergele performed a play based on the experiences of a tenage girl who became a victim of sexual bullying and violence.
Some of the children explained: “We have learnt about good and bad relationships, but we did not realise how often domestic abuse happens.”
Domestic abuse co-ordinator Michelle Davidson Beck said: “We hope that by raising awareness of these hidden crimes, agencies and professionals will work in partnership to tackle these issues to make our communities a safer place to live in.”
