Women in Blaenau Gwent who have suffered from domestic abuse are being encouraged to take self-defence classes to increase their confidence.
The Safer Blaenau Gwent partnership has funded and arranged the classes at the Celtic Pride Martial Arts Gym in Abertillery.
Around 40 women who are in contact with the Blaenau Gwent Domestic Abuse Service and Hafan Cymru are taking part in the classes led by instructor Lee Stingemore.
The main purpose of the self-defence classes is to build the women’s confidence, while also giving them basic skills in fending off attackers.
The self-defence classes were organised by Blaenau Gwent Community Champion Jayne Gough, whose work helps victims of crime and antisocial behaviour.
She said: “Some of the women have said the sessions had given them more confidence. A few women have even said they found it difficult to leave the house after becoming a victim of domestic abuse, but after attending the classes they have confidence to start living their lives again.
“I took part in one of the classes myself and when I first turned up it was very cold, but by the end of the session the atmosphere was buzzing as the women enjoyed the class so much.
“These sessions are a great success and we hope to run similar classes in the future.”
Blaenau Gwent Partnership Inspector Phillip Morris, of Gwent Police, added: “Domestic abuse can be devastating for victims – across the UK two people are killed by their partners each week.
“This partnership initiative was arranged to provide victims of domestic abuse with an opportunity to build their confidence by providing them with support and training.
“The aim is to try to avoid any confrontational situation, whenever possible, but the self-defence classes will provide some basic skills in case they are ever required.
“We work closely with Blaenau Gwent Domestic Abuse Service and Hafan Cymru and our aim is to provide the right level of support to victims of domestic violence, depending upon their personal circumstances.”
Anyone who wants to report domestic abuse should call Gwent Police on 101, or the Wales Domestic Abuse Hotline on 0808 8010 800.
