Domestic violence victims urged to reach out for help

Leader Live

14-07-2025

The Leader reported earlier this month how the charity Crimestoppers launched a campaign to raise awareness of the devastating impact of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
It takes place across Wales until July 23 and aims to remind everyone that help is available and that no one should suffer in silence.
Cllr Beverley Parry-Jones is Wrexham Council's gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence champion.
She said: "This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable.
"It's not strange that it's still happening in the 21st century and we can all be victims of it without realising it.
"I would urge people to go and get the help they need.
"Speak to someone, whether it's a friend, a family member or a support group.
"Abuse doesn't have to be a punch or a kick. It can be mental and emotional - which doesn't heal quickly.
"It's not a good place for anyone to be in and it can be done in such a subtle way that it's controlling.
Cllr Parry-Jones told the Leader she too has experienced abuse and coercion within a relationship and that after leaving that situation, she found counselling to be extremely helpful.
"As soon as you walk away," she said, "that's the first day of the rest of your life.
"Have the strength to walk away.
"When I went for counselling, it was hard to hear.
"I felt there was a stigma attached to it, but it made me a stronger person coming out at the other end of it.
"Unfortunately, sometimes with domestic violence, we know it can end in tragedy.
"That is very, very sad but the key thing is - don't be afraid to ask for help.
"You're the victim here and there is no stigma attached to it."
She also emphasised the importance of people being available for their friends and listening to their concerns, should they feel ready to speak about instances of abuse.
Asked how a person could help a friend or relative they feel may be experiencing abuse, Cllr Parry-Jones said: "I would say to do it in a softly-softly approach.
"When you're in a relationship like this, you don't always want to accept the help.
"But just try to keep the door open, to say; you know I'm here - I've not gone anywhere."
Cllr Parry-Jones told the Leader she would be happy to speak to any support groups which feel they may benefit from her input.
She is also part of a group which knits and crochets teddies, blankets and other items for children and people affected by domestic violence who may have to flee their home without their belongings.
Cllr Christine Jones, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for social services and wellbeing, said: "We have to safeguard people who are at risk of abuse and we need to get the message out there that there is help available whether you're male or female.
"Please don't be afraid to speak out - your life is important, it's precious and you will be protected.
"If you don't want to go to the police, there are other voluntary agencies around, for example we have DASU in Flintshire and they are brilliant.
"People are often scared to say it's happening to them - it's a massive thing to speak about.
"But once you've spoken about it, that's the first step.
"It could be to a family member, or a friend you're confident will help you.
"You've got to reach out to someone; don't hold back because you should not be going through this on your own/."
Cllr Jones added that there are many kinds of abuse, explaining: "It's not just physical or sexual, or emotional - there can also be financial abuse where people can become trapped in their own homes.
"Abuse is happening in our communities every minute and the whole family can be affected.
"Never forget, there are often children in these relationships too."
North Wales Police lead for violence against women and girls (VAWG), Inspector Laura Salisbury-Jones, said: 'We support the Crimestoppers campaign which aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of VAWG and echo the message to victims to report incidents.
'Domestic abuse can take many forms and can have a profound and lasting effect on a person.
'We understand that it isn't easy to report but I would reassure victims that we have specialist officers within the force who will listen to you, support you and fully investigate all reports.
'We continue to act on any report of all forms of violence against women and girls, and we will not stop in our efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.'