WWA comments on the Independent Police Complaints Commission report on the response by the police to Joanna Michael.
Today (26th 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 5th 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/'
22 Jul 2010
Welsh Women's Aid are pleased to inform you that the no recourse to public funds pilot has now been extended to March 2011.
15 Jul 2010
The EHRC are currently conducting a Formal Inquiry into disability-related harrassment, whereby they will examine the experiences of disabled people, their families, friends and carers, as well as examining whether those who have experienced harrassment have been supported or not by public authorities.
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Many thanks to everyone who contributed to Welsh Women's Aid's Manifesto for the 2011 Assembly Elections.
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The Sojourner Project is for women with no recourse to public funds, who entered the UK on a spousal visa and are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) under the Domestic Violence Rule.
6 Jul 2010
PRESS RELEASE
1 July 2010
Contact: Charlotte Bunch, 732-642-5271 or cbunch@igc.
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WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON CHILD POVERTY STRATEGY
You will be aware of the above consultation which is continuing until 12th August.
4 Jun 2010
Welsh Women’s Aid & Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release 04.
1 Jun 2010
Welsh Women’s Aid
PRESS RELEASE
For release under embargo: 00.
25 May 2010
The Cadarn Housing Group’s IT team had good cause for celebration on Friday 14 May 2010 when they were awarded the title of IT Team of the Year at the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards ceremony in London.
23 Apr 2010
Shelter Cymru, is inviting applications for The Val Feld Women and Homelessness Award.
