New domestic abuse centre to open in Abergavenny

Women and Men experiencing domestic abuse in Monmouthshire will soon be able to get emotional and practical support, all under one roof, at a new centre in Abergavenny.

Monmouthshire County Council has agreed to the sale of a Monk Street property to Women's Aid and Llamau. The purchase has been made possible by a grant of £245,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government. The centre, to open in 2010, will be used to create a multi-agency centre for all victims of domestic abuse.

Frances J Beecher Chief Executive of Llamau stated:

"This shows MCC's support and commitment to tackling domestic abuse in the county. The Abergavenny centre will be the thirteenth centre of its kind in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government also continues to support the cause and spread the message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated in Wales. It shows that Wales is serious about eliminating this problem in our society."

Francis went on to explain that:

"Women's Aid, Llamau, Citizens Advice Bureau and the independent domestic violence advisor will all be permanently located within the building. Other agencies such as housing providers; substance misuse support; family mediation; a family solicitor and Victim Support will all be providing regular surgeries in the centre.

"The wider range of support and services offered is vital to help victims gain the knowledge and information they need to make safe and informed choice for themselves and their family."

Importantly, the Citizens Advice Bureau, which retains its current premises as part of the new scheme, wholeheartedly supports the multi-agency centre. They will still offer the same independent, impartial, free advice service that they currently provides

Survivor of domestic abuse, Stacey*(name changed) speaks about her experience:

"I am a survivor of domestic abuse. My ex husband was very violent and frequently held a knife to my throat. On the last occasion he poured a can of petrol over me and kept lighting his cigarette lighter. I thought I was going to die. I reported it to the Police and he was imprisoned for 15 months.

"Following his arrest I was in a terrible state and didn't know who to approach for help. I received help from Women's Aid, MIND and Victim Support.  The support received was fantastic but I feel that if all the support agencies were working together under one roof it would be much easier for survivors to access support a lot quicker. It would also mean that survivors would be made aware of services that they may not have known about.

"Having survived horrendous domestic violence I know how important it is for victims to have immediate access to professional support services. I wish the new centre in Abergavenny every success."

The estimated cost to society of domestic abuse in Monmouthshire in June 2009 was in excess of £150,000. This centre will help victims and their children become safer and reduce the cost to society.