Assembly boost for 24 hour domestic abuse free helpline

A 24-hour helpline for victims of domestic abuse throughout Wales was officially launched on Tuesday at the National Assembly for Wales.

The news follows a £250,000 boost from the Assembly Government for the bilingual service, provided by Welsh Women’s Aid.

In Wales, an average of 49 women contact Welsh Women’s Aid every single day because of domestic violence and the extra funding for the helpline will ensure more women, including those in Bridgend can be helped.

We cannot be complacent about this sort of violence which goes on even in Bridgend.

The Assembly Government has made combating domestic abuse a priority and provided nearly £700,000 in funding back in 2004 over three years to help set up the free telephone helpline for 12 hours a day. I am very pleased that we have now been able to provide additional money to make this a round-the-clock service.

By calling 0808 8010 800, support is on offer for all women, men and children who need it. Much of this kind of abuse goes unreported so extending access to the helpline gives more women a chance to seek vital support and advice.

I would also like to praise Bridgend Women’s Aid for all the important work they do in supporting women in Bridgend who suffer from domestic abuse.

The new 24-hour free helpline number for anyone suffering domestic abuse is 0808 80 10 800