News

Police highlight signs of domestic abuse during summer ‘spike’

Published

6 years ago

July 27, 2018

DYFED-POWYS POLICE is urging people to report all signs of domestic abuse this summer.

Throughout the summer holidays, officers will be visiting campsites, tourist attractions and the night-time economy, to talk to people about domestic abuse.

They will provide guidance on the signs of domestic abuse and encourage people not to be afraid to call the police if they see or hear something that concerns them.

Efforts to raise awareness amongst the public will be supported by targeted enforcement activity holding domestic abusers to account for their actions and learning lessons from those affected.

This work is being carried out by police as part of Operation Heirloom, as reports of domestic abuse are higher during July and August in Dyfed-Powys than any other time of the year.

Superintendent Anthony Griffiths, Head of the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “Domestic abuse is not only violence. It can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, threats and causing damage to property are all ways of controlling someone.

“Unfortunately, the summer holidays are a period where we see an increase in the number of reports of domestic abuse. Hotspots include campsites, beaches, tourist attractions and bars. People may be visiting the area, or have gone for a day out or out for the evening and for whatever reason, very often alcohol, things get out of control and someone becomes abusive.

“I urge anyone concerned about someone, whether family member, friend, neighbour or someone you’ve seen on holiday or a day out that needs help, to report it to police.

“As part of Operation Heirloom, our summer focus on domestic abuse, we’re urging members of the public who hear or see anything that concerns them to report it to police immediately. They should not feel worried that they will be interfering if they get involved or think that it’s a private matter. Your phone call or support could make a real difference.”

The operation will run until the end of September and is part of the overall forcewide summer campaign #EnjoyDPP. It will focus on: keeping communities safe by targeting perpetrators of domestic abuse at every opportunity; safeguarding vulnerable victims through support from specially trained officers and disclosures through Clare’s Law to give people the information that could protect them from domestic abuse; protect those affected from serious harm, by seeking prosecutions and work to increase confidence to report in communities.

Signs to look out for:

One partner seems afraid of the other, or very anxious to please him or her
One partner often criticises or humiliates the other in front of other people
You can see physical injuries (bruises, broken bones, sprains, cuts etc) and may have been given unlikely explanation for their injuries
One partner is reluctant to leave children with the other partner.

For support and advice:

Call the abuse and violence helpline Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800
Download the free Brightsky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy
Visit dyfed-powys.police.uk/ClaresLaw to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence.
Visit ncdv.org.uk for free legal help, quickly

To report domestic abuse call police on 101. If you’re reporting to police as abuse is happening call 999.

News

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns following child abuse report

Published

1 hour ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has announced his resignation following the publication of a damning report that reveals the Church of England covered up decades of abuse by prominent barrister John Smyth QC.

Welby stated: “Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign.”

The resignation follows the release of the independent Makin review last week, which detailed how Smyth, over a span of five decades, abused children and young men in the UK and Africa. The report estimates that as many as 130 boys and young men suffered severe physical, sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse at Smyth’s hands, leaving lasting scars on their lives.

The review highlighted a critical missed opportunity, concluding that Smyth might have faced justice had Archbishop Welby reported the abuse to police a decade ago. Smyth, who died in Cape Town in 2018 at age 75, was under investigation by Hampshire Police but was “never brought to justice for the abuse,” according to the report.

Climate

Wales eyes £47 billion in renewable energy investment by 2035

Published

4 hours ago

November 12, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES is on the cusp of a £47 billion renewable energy investment wave that could transform its economy, create thousands of jobs, and breathe new life into communities. This promising outlook was unveiled today at the Future Energy Wales 2024 conference at Newport’s ICC, showcasing preliminary analysis by BiGGAR Economics on the economic potential of renewable energy across the nation.

Commissioned by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales, the study highlights the substantial economic gains Wales could achieve by meeting its renewable energy targets across onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and tidal power.

**Heavy lift: The turbine under construction** **(Image: MHPA)**

The research projects an average annual investment of nearly £4 billion, reaching a peak of £7 billion by 2028. Offshore wind alone is expected to attract £32.4 billion, forming the foundation of Wales’ economic growth through 2035. However, capturing this opportunity requires an effective industrial strategy and substantial port infrastructure upgrades to support thousands of new, high-quality jobs.

While offshore wind presents long-term growth, onshore wind offers Wales a rapid boost, with a potential £4.5 billion in investments enabling an increase to over 3 GW capacity by 2035, contingent on addressing planning and grid capacity challenges.

The NESO 2030 Clean Power report underscores the need for grid reform to expedite renewable energy across the UK, but Wales remains hampered by immediate planning resource shortages.

The latest data from the 2024 Welsh wind power report shows a surge in renewable project interest, with Wales’ pipeline expanding by 18% this year, from 9 GW in 2023 to over 10.5 GW in November 2024, largely due to new onshore wind projects. However, with current deployment rates, Wales is forecast to contribute only 5% of the UK’s total wind capacity by 2035—well behind Scotland’s 64 GW target.

RenewableUK Cymru’s Call for Strategic Support

Jess Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“Wales stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity. By harnessing this renewable investment potential, we can secure Welsh jobs and build a robust, long-term local economy. But achieving this vision requires strong, immediate support from both the UK and Welsh governments.

“We urge a coordinated, four-nations approach to accelerate wind deployment and grid upgrades. With strategic investment in grid capacity and planning, wind energy can become central to Wales’ clean energy future—delivering real benefits for our climate, economy, and communities.”

£47 Billion Equals 208 Principality Stadiums

Nikki Keddie, Director at BiGGAR Economics, added:

“The scale of Wales’ renewables potential is extraordinary. The £47 billion needed to reach our targets is equivalent to building 208 Principality Stadiums. Investment in renewables will boost energy security, employment, industrial growth, and rural development.

“To maximise economic benefits, it’s crucial to dismantle barriers to project delivery and create opportunities for local businesses to capture value. We look forward to the next phase of this report, where we will detail the economic share Wales can secure.”