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WWA supports Welsh Government's 6 Nations Domestic Abuse Campaign

Communities Minister, Carl Sargeant launched a campaign today (3rd Feb) to tackle the increased levels of domestic violence that occur around the time of major sporting events such as the Six Nations rugby tournament.

First Minister launches Christmas domestic abuse campaign with WWA's support

Today (5th December), the Welsh Government launched their Christmas campaign to tackle domestic abuse. The launch took place in Cardiff City Centre, where a giant Letter to Santa was set up to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of domestic abuse on children and young people. This is the second stage of the Welsh Government's "Live Fear Free" campaign to tackle violence against women in Wales.

Minister, Cardiff Devils and Cardiff City FC speak out against VAW for White Ribbon Day

"Domestic abuse is a hidden problem but it affects so many women and children in Wales - the statistics are shocking. We are proud to support Welsh Women's Aid in their vital work supporting women and children. It's vital that men take a stand against violence towards women and for that reason we're supporting the White Ribbon Campaign."

TAKE ACTION NOW: SAVE LEGAL AID

Next Monday 31 October, the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will be debated by MPs in the House of Commons.

“Light a Candle” to mark International Day to End Violence Against Women

BAWSO Women’s Aid and Welsh Women’s Aid are organising this year’s annual ecumenical "Light a Candle" service in Llandaff Cathedral to mark International Day to End Violence Against Women ("White Ribbon Day"), please see the agenda.

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Contrary to theories of domestic violence that portray battered women as helpless, most women surviving in abusive relationships leave many times and routinely act in conscious ways to try to minimize the abuse directed at them and to protect their children.

Research shows that women are victims in 95% of domestic violence cases. To the extent women do use violence, it is generally in self-defense. Reports of violence against men are often exaggerated because abusers will accuse their partners of using violence as a way to avoid or minimize their own responsibility. In addition, men who do experience domestic violence have more access to resources to leave violent situations than do women.

Myths and Realities

"She’s not really being abused, she’s just using it to be re-housed."

Women usually minimise rather than exaggerate their experiences of violence and abuse.

Very few women are re-housed quickly. They may have to spend many months in refuge or bed and breakfast accommodation before they are given somewhere new to live.

"People who are violent towards their partners must come from violent families."

Many people who are violent towards their partners come from families where there is no history of violence. Many abusers have brothers and sisters who are not violent and abusive. There is no typical abuser.

Within many families where violence has occured, individuals choose not to be violent.

"It's not just men, there are loads of violent women too"

Statistics show that 97% of reported incidences of domestic violence and abuse are perpetrated by men against women.

However domestic violence can occur in same sex relationships and can be perpetrated by members of the extended family. In a very small number of cases (3%) the perpetrators of this abuse are women.

Welsh Women's Aid maintains that domestic abuse is the result of the continued inequality between men and women in society.  Therefore, society tends to condone aggressive acts from men in the long term and boys are raised to assume control over women in all areas of work, home and relationships.