Today (26^th July), the Independent Police Complaints Commission have released their report into the police handling of Joanna Michael case. Joanna was tragically murdered by her partner on the 5^th of August 2009.

As the leading domestic abuse charity in Wales, Welsh Women’s Aid hope that lessons are learnt from what happened to Joanna and victims of domestic abuse receive the protection and services that they need.

Paula Hardy, Chief Executive, said

‘Welsh Women’s Aid would like to send our sincere sympathy to Joanna Michael’s family and also to other families who have lost a loved one as a result of domestic abuse. Two women a week are killed by their partners or ex partners and more needs to be done to ensure that they have the protection that they desperately need. Children are also directly affected by domestic abuse. Up to 90% of domestic abuse incidents children are in the same or next room and this will have a significant impact on them.

WWA hope that further lessons are learnt by the police after the tragic death of Joanne around their handling of cases where domestic abuse is reported. The recommendations provided by the IPCC in their report will hopefully be acted upon by all four police forces in Wales, not just Gwent and South Wales police. WWA believe that it is vital that ongoing standardised training is provided to all call handlers and police officers around all aspects of domestic abuse, that information is shared between force areas, that necessary risk assessments are carried out and proper notes and records are maintained.

While the police have a vital role to play in protecting women who have experienced domestic abuse, all statutory agencies should ensure that they provide the necessary support to people who have experienced domestic abuse. As well as statutory services, Women’s Aid and other voluntary organisations provide vital 24 hour services to women and children experiencing domestic abuse in Wales.’

For anyone experiencing domestic abuse please contact the free and confidential Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 80 10 800 or visit www.welshwomensaid.org or http://www.wdah.org.uk/