Violence fears over credit crunch

The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline took nearly 14,000 calls over a 12 month period, a rise of more than 200 Case study: Mother beaten while holding child

The credit crunch could lead to an increase in domestic abuse, say police and victim support groups.

Gwent Police chief constable Mick Giannasi said community intelligence suggests economic hardship was causing more tension in homes.

Welsh Women's Aid also said financial worries were one of the key factors that could influence domestic violence.

White Ribbon Day, an international event calling for the end of violence against women, takes place on Tuesday.

"We're picking up things like there appears to be more tension in homes for example, so we talk to people like victim support organisations," said Mr Giannasi.

"We have a bobby van scheme that goes out and helps people that have been involved in crime and we're picking up the sense that life is a bit more tense."

DOMESTIC ABUSE FACTFILE Domestic abuse accounts for 25% of all violent crime in the UK One incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every minute in Wales and England On average a women is attacked 35 times before contacting the police 50% of women murdered are a result of domestic abuse In 35% of cases there is a second assault within five weeks From April 2007 to March 2008, 1,505 women and 1,338 children were accommodated in refuges across Wales From April 2007 to March 2008, 10% of children in refuges were recorded on the Child Protection Register For women across the world aged 19-44, domestic abuse is the leading cause of death, greater than cancer, war and motor accidents

Welsh Women's Aid chief executive Paula Hardy said women were often given cash by their partners to run the household which could lead to problems when money was tight.

"I think in terms of hitting a credit crunch now, it's well known that there are key factors that exacerbate the problem," she said.

"For us it's a very big concern and it's something we will be talking to other agencies about."

Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline manager Tracey Owens said there was never any excuse for domestic violence but outside influences did play a role.

No excuse

"If there is domestic abuse in the home, any kind of external factor which is putting strain on a relationship can exacerbate the problem," she said.

"There are a lot of things but there's no excuse for domestic abuse, it's about power and control."

The helpline has seen an annual increase in the number of calls it receives from women, men and children since it was set up in 2004.

From April 2007 to March 2008 it took 13,982 calls compared to 13,568 from April 2006 to March 2007 and 8,494 the previous year.

However, the helpline only became a 24-hour service in January 2007.

Social justice minister Dr Brian Gibbons announced more than £1.5m of funding on Tuesday to support organisations tackling domestic and sexual abuse.

Support centres

Eleven projects across Wales will receive grants for 2008/09 including the North Wales Women's Centre, Blaenau Gwent's domestic abuse service and Llanelli Women's Aid.

Dr Gibbons said: "It is very important that Wales takes action to minimise domestic abuse through dedicated support centres.

"We also need to be aware that as we approach the festive season, sadly the risk of domestic violence increases. It is vital that we work to prevent this crime as well as having services in place to respond."

Mid and West Wales AM Joyce Watson is setting up a campaign in Wales to recruit sporting ambassadors to say no to domestic violence and her first recruit is former Wales rugby international Derwyn Jones.

"Sport and rugby in particularly has a reputation for being a very macho environment," said Jones.

"There is also a culture of not getting involved in people's personal lives but domestic violence is a crime that we should all say no to whatever sex or background we come from."

• The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 8010 800. It is a free support and information service for women, children and men in Wales.