Domestic abuse tackled head on by housing officials

More than half of all violent crime in Monmouthshire is domestic abuse, and of those victims, 84% are women.

Guests at an event designed to improve the support received by victims of domestic abuse learned last week how domestic abuse affects Monmouthshire residents. 

The event was a meeting of the Monmouthshire Housing Partnership designed for those who work in the housing sector to improve their role in tackling domestic abuse and guests also had a chance to strengthen their relationship with Rachel Allen, Domestic Abuse Coordinator at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC).

Representatives of housing organisations, Victim Support, voluntary organisations, County Councillors and officers from MCC's Community Safety team all attended and took part in workshops that gave them a chance to examine how to work more effectively.

Ian Bakewell from MCC's housing department helped to organise the meeting:

"We wanted to raise the profile of domestic violence in Monmouthshire as this is a serious threat to our residents' safety. Also it is a great opportunity for people who work in housing to share good practice as they may be the first point of contact and could make transferring from one property to another easier.

"Victims of domestic violence often feel they have nowhere to turn and can sometimes end up homeless after making the step to leave an abusive partner. As housing officer, it's in our interest to help victims before they get to that point."

Rachel Allen said that she hoped the event would have long-lasting consequences. She explained:

"My role covers the whole of Monmouthshire and I'm passionate about the subject. A person will be attacked an average of 36 times before they report an assault by a partner - it's is a hidden crime, one which people often don't wish to share.

"Domestic abuse is the one of the main reasons for homelessness in Monmouthshire and there are many different factors to consider when trying to reduce instances of domestic abuse. Housing is an important element - employees in the sector can assist victims in leaving an abusive environment, empower victims and make sure that the process is fair and sensitive."

"The fight to reduce domestic abuse is integral to our priority to reduce violent crime and our aim is to be in a position where Monmouthshire is a county where people feel safe from deliberate harm."

If you are the victim of domestic violence contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.