Pontypridd Observer, 7th January 2010
Domestic abuse will affect one in four women in the UK during their lives, official figures show.
Now charities in Taff Ely are doing their bit to ease the problem for women, families and communities.
The shocking statistics come from Women’s Aid refuges across the UK, and it has been estimated that 12,000 families in Rhondda Cynon Taff alone may be affected by the harrowing crime.
The Pontypridd branch of the charity is reassuring the community of what is being done about domestic abuse in the area.
Kate Edwards, a solicitor with Wendy Hopkins Family Law Practice LLP and chairwoman of Pontypridd Women’s Aid, said: “Local agencies have recently commissioned the Kafka Brigade to review the performance of all the agencies involved in domestic abuse.
“The aim of the review was to understand the barriers for service users in getting acces to the services they need.
“A significant outcome of the review was the development of a multi-agency action plan to address the issues highlighted and improve services to people experiencing domestic abuse.
“As a direct result, we have begun to work more closely together to develop and improve the service to women and children approaching Women’s Aid for help.”
Kate added that this is a major step forward for Women’s Aid, which has provided support services to women and children in Rhondda Cynon Taff for more than 30 years.
The charity is often most closely associated with its refuge service, while it also supports women in their own home through our floating support service, as well as via the drop-in service where women can come and talk about their situation.
Women’s Aid have continued to work in partnership with the Rhondda Cynon Taff supporting people team, community housing and Pontypridd Safety Unit to support women escaping domestic abuse.
The branch’s board of trustees comprises of five professional women with a broad range of skills and abilities.
But the group is always looking for more help and they currently have opening for additional trustees, particularly with finance skills.