Welsh Conservatives’ domestic abuse and violence appeal

Welsh Conservatives’ domestic abuse and violence appeal

Welsh Conservative assembly members have today urged potential victims of domestic abuse and violence not to suffer in silence over the Christmas period.

Their plea includes an appeal to members of the public to act on any suspicions they might have of someone who they think is in an abusive relationship or living in an abusive household.

It follows the publication of ONS data, which shows that one in 10 of all crimes committed in Wales are attributed to domestic abuse.

The figures recorded for Wales are at a higher rate than the North East, North West, Yorkshire, East Midlands and London, sitting joint highest with the South West, South East and West Midlands.

In a joint statement Suzy Davies AM, Shadow Secretary for Social Services and Mark Isherwood AM, Shadow Secretary for Communities, said:

“For far too many, Christmas remains a time of fear, intimidation or violence, and we are taking this opportunity to urge victims of abuse not to suffer in silence.

“We often see a rise in the number of domestic incidents in December as people tend to consume more alcohol and lose control.

“There can be no excuses for physical or verbal abuse and victims should know that there is support available to them if they need it, be that via the police, social services or charities such as Welsh Women’s Aid and NSPCC.

“We implore members of the public to act on any suspicions they have of people they know who might be victim to abuse, and to report it so that the appropriate authorities can investigate and, where necessary, take steps to end that abuse.”