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Partnership - Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil & Bridgend

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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. Domestic abuse can be:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

Domestic abuse can also include so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

It is important to understand that domestic abuse is not the same as a bad relationship and can occur both during a relationship or after it has ended.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will be affected in their lifetime

 

Many of the effects of abuse for the male victim of domestic abuse are the same as for women. They are likely to feel deeply shamed, frightened, experience a loss of self-worth and confidence, feel isolated, guilty and confused about the situation. However, women are disproportionately affected by this issue.

How are children affected?

 Children are affected in many ways by abuse, even after a short time.  These affects include:

  • feeling frightened
  • becoming withdrawn
  • bed wetting
  • running away
  • aggressiveness
  • behavioural difficulties
  • problems with school
  • poor concentration
  • emotional turmoil

To many, it seems simple:  if an individual is being abused, they should just get up and go, or throw the abuser out. Anyone who has been in an abusive relationship knows it is a lot more difficult than that. It is quite common for someone being abused to leave and return to the abuser several times

It is important to be clear that domestic abuse is not a private matter and is also a child protection issue.

What help is available locally?

If you, or someone that you know or care for, are in this situation, don’t feel that you have to cope with this alone, there are people who can help you. It is important to remember that domestic abuse is about the power and control of one person over another and that you are in no way responsible or to blame for what is happening to you.

Below are some helpful telephone numbers and websites

If you need help urgently call 999 immediately.

 

  • The Oasis Centre: 01443 494190
  • Teulu MAC (Multi-Agency Centre) Merthyr Tydfil:  01685 388444 or free phone 0800 3897552
  • Womens Aid in RCT: 01443 400791
  • Hafan Cymru: 01443 237015
  • All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 24 hour Helpline: 0808 801 0800
  • Dyn Wales/Dyn Cymru (Support for male victims in Wales): 0808 801 0321

Other websites that you may find helpful are: