Safer Pembrokeshire
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Current statistics suggest as many as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be affected by domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is: Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as 'honour based violence', female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.
An adult is defined as any person aged 18 years or over. Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents, whether directly related, in laws or stepfamily.
Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography. Often, domestic abuse involves a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour, which tends to get worse over time.
If you think this may be happening to you and you would like to talk to someone about it in confidence please call: 0808 8010 800 or for further information please visit Welsh Women’s Aid (opens in a new tab)
If you are in immediate danger always call 999.
Safer Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Forum is a multi-agency group responsible for sharing information and good practise around domestic abuse services. The forum works to the following Terms of Reference:
- To build a strong and dedicated multi-agency group focused on working with all issues around domestic abuse.
- To increase knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse issues, and promote the work of the forum within the partnership as well as other organisations and to the general public.
- To share information and resources around the domestic abuse agenda.
- To identify and disseminate good practice, procedures and training at national, regional and local level.
- To support and inform the work of the Domestic Abuse delivery group in the development of the Domestic Abuse business plan.
- To support the work of the various sub-groups and tasking groups attached to the forum.
- To identify potential funding opportunities
- To have regular presentations on a variety of topics to help inform the work of the forum.
The Domestic Abuse Delivery Group oversees the two year Domestic Abuse business plan.
Two other groups meet regularly to focus on issues arising from the Specialist Domestic Violence Court (a specialist court service convened to support victims to prosecute the offenders) and to focus on services for Children and Young People.
Services
There are a number of programmes to help young people understand about healthy and unhealthy relationships as well as recognising domestic abuse. The spectrum pack is currently being offered by Hafan Cymru in a number of secondary schools across Pembrokeshire and the Safety, Trust and Respect programme is run by Welsh Women's Aid.
Crucial crew is offered to all Year 6 children (10-11 year olds) and bullying at home is one of the sessions offered.
One Stop Shop
The Centre for Domestic Abuse Resource (CEDAR) offers a central point of contact for anyone concerned about domestic abuse whether as a victim, friend, relative or child. We also work in partnership with a range of existing groups and schemes run by other professional agencies in order for our clients to attend a familiar and comfortable environment. The service, which includes advice, counselling and training, is accessible to men, women and children who are seeking support around domestic abuse issues.
Welsh Women's Aid (opens in a new tab)
Victim Support (opens in a new tab)