In the Pink Walk

Mind Monmouthshire Supporting People Project Workers raised £300 by completing a 10 mile walk for the ‘In the Pink’ Charity.  We dug out our walking boots and walked from Gilwern to Llangynidr along the canal tow path.  This walk was prompted by the sad death of Ruth Watkins our Project Manager. After the walk we joined hundreds of other walkers at the playing fields in Llangynidr to celebrate our achievement.

Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Pilot

Domestic abuse.. that’s not me…

Domestic abuse is not just about violence, assaults and physical
aggression, but unfortunately for many people, that comes hand in hand with the persistent daily tirade of shouting, put downs, criticisms,
humiliation, excessive demands and taunts at the hands of someone that you share your life with!

Domestic abuse by government definition is ‘"Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour killings'.

What are the signs ? How can we help people who have mental health issue and are victims of domestic abuse ?

THE PILOT PROJECT :

As the Domestic abuse coordinator I have worked in partnership with :
MIND Monmouthshire, Womens Aid ,
Lower Monmouthshire Mental health team, Victim Support,
Llamau –M.O.D.A.S. floating support team and
Independent domestic abuse coordinator;
to set up a three month pilot to look at identifying those who are most
vulnerable to abuse and providing them with the correct help and support that is needed.

We know from research that national 50-60% of mental health service users have suffered domestic abuse at some point in their life, therefore the pilot is a proactive approach to identifying victims of domestic abuse and ensuring that we offer advice, support and appropriate help to those at risk of further abuse, violence and ultimately in some case death . (60% of all murder in the UK are domestic abuse related - committed by partners/ex partner or blood relative, british crime survey)

Stacey’s story…..

“Stacey” (name changed), a survivor of domestic abuse said:

“My ex husband was very violent and frequently held a knife to my throat. On the last occasion he poured a can of petrol over me and kept lighting his cigarette lighter. I thought I was going to die. I received help from Women’s Aid, MIND and Victim Support. The support received was f
antastic. Having survived horrendous domestic violence I know how
important it is for victims to have immediate access to professional
support services.

Does it happen here… In Monmouthshire in 2010 …
- 63 people were assessed as at ‘risk of serious harm or murder’.
- 777 people rang the police for help
- 1120 rang Women’s aid
- 181 women were placed in Refuge in Monmouthshire.
- Over 50% of the children where on the ‘at risk register ‘ because they were living in a household where their parent was subject to abuse.

What else are we doing to help….

Monmouthshire multi agency centre, 26a Monk St Abergavenny, owned by Women’s aid and Llamau, was launched in September 2010, and is a centre set up to holistically tackle domestic abuse. The aim of the centre is to provide wrap around services under one roof, for all victims of
domestic abuse. Domestic abuse, by its nature, is a very complex issue, therefore, the range of help and advice available needs to reflex this.
The agencies and services that run from the centre include Women’s aid, Llamau, Citizens advice bureau, Watkins and Gunn solicitors,
Kaleidoscope, Charter housing, independent DV advocate,
Monmouthshire Housing association, Police, Victim Support and
supporting people. Therefore, offering a range of services from housing and financial related support; long term emotional support and guidance to dealing with civil / criminal courts issues.

The centre is open 9 am- 5pm Mon to Fri; telephone 01873 733590.
Please ring or attend the centre to speak to any of the above agencies for confidential information or advice.

Who else can help …

If you need any help, advice or support for you or someone else please ring any time :

All Wales 24 hour Domestic abuse helpline 0808 8010 800