IN THE WEEK when the Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill goes before the National Assembly, the Welsh Government has launched an awareness campaign asking people to make a stand against all forms of such violence and abuse.

The Welsh Government is asking the people of Wales to openly declare their intolerance of these types of abuse by posting photographs of themselves linking arms on Facebook and Twitter and using the hashtag #makingastandwales. The photos will mirror an advertising campaign which began on Monday, June 30, on poster sites and LCD panels around Welsh railway stations, showing groups of figures linking arms. The year-long campaign will pose the question ‘What will you do?’ and will raise awareness of the support services available to those experiencing domestic abuse, violence against women and sexual violence. More information will also be made available to the public on what to do if they suspect someone may be a victim or perpetrator. In Jenny’s case she was 19-years-old when she was referred to Community Services by her social worker. Eighteen months prior to the referral Jenny fell pregnant, at which point the abuse from her then partner became physical and financial. At first, Jenny failed to engage with the support, missing appointments and making excuses. She also hid the truth from her social worker. After four months of failed attempts to engage, there was a final incident which made Jenny realise she needed help to keep herself and her son safe. Jenny said: “One day I was driving home with my son in the babyseat when I became aware of my ex-partner in his car directly behind us. He had obviously followed us and was driving like a maniac. He was furious about something and bumped the back of my car several times. He had never been violent towards our baby before. Knowing that he wanted to harm me even though he could harm our son in the process made me realise that I needed help. I was still terrified, but at that point I knew I had to do something to protect my son – no matter what. After ten months of support all of the goals Community Services had set with Jenny had been achieved. A risk assessment was completed and the risk was considerably reduced. There was still a chance the perpetrator could come to the house but a safety plan was in place and Jenny has since chosen to end support, safe in the knowledge that she can ring the emergency number she has been given at any time. All those in need of help or further information will be signposted to the Live Fear Free website – livefearfree.org. uk and the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline – 0808 8010800. The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, said: “Colleagues, f r i e n d s , neighbours and even family members may be afraid of acting on their s u s p i c i o n s of abuse for fear they are mistaken, interfering or even making the victim’s situation worse. With this campaign, we aim to empower people with information to act in the right way if they suspect abuse may be taking place. “We want people to openly declare they are united against these types of abuse. So we are appealing to groups of friends, neighbours, office, shop or factory workers, and social groups from book clubs to sports teams to publicly make a stand and begin to help us break this taboo.” The Welsh Government’s funding in this area totals £4m which supports third sector organisations delivering direct services to victims and education on healthy relationships in schools. The funding also supports domestic abuse co-ordinators and independent domestic violence advisers across Wales, as well as the 24 hour All- Wales domestic abuse helpline to provide help, advice and emergency support. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or suspect that someone you know is, call the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 80 10 800 or visit www. l i v e f e a r f r e e . org.uk