Police vehicle will combat abuse

A charity and Dyfed-Powys Police will use a new vehicle to help combat domestic abuse.

The force and New Pathways, which supports victims, will receive the vehicle to raise awareness.

It will be used at community events and will also be used to provide services to those in need in rural areas.

It will be staffed by New Pathways and supported by neighbourhood policing teams, and have an information centre and private consultation room.

The organisations have received funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

'Sexual abuse'

Det Insp Owain Richards said: "The vehicle will allow us to go to events and spread the message that domestic abuse of any sort will not be tolerated.

"Dyfed-Powys Police have specially trained officers to deal with domestic abuse and we would urge victims not to suffer in silence."

Mike Wilkinson, of New Pathways, said victims of domestic and sexual abuse often felt helpless and isolated.

He added: "The safety awareness vehicle is a fantastic resource that will raise awareness of the help available and encourage people to come forward and seek that help.

"It will also allow us to take our specialist counselling and support services to the people who need them in rural areas who feel further isolated because of where they live."

The vehicle is expected to arrive in the new year.