Signs and symptoms of domestic abuse campaign

Welcoming the launch today (17 October) of the Welsh Government’s powerful new campaign to draw attention to the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse, Mid and West Wales Assembly Member, Joyce Watson said:
“Physical intimidation, emotional control, even feelings of shame and embarrassment – they conspire to silence victims of abuse and conceal the truth about a violent relationship from friends and family.
“This campaign will not only help friends, relatives and colleagues spot the signs of abuse, it will show victims that they are not alone. It will help break down the wall of silence around domestic abuse.”
For more information about Joyce Watson’s work, contact her office on 02920 898972 or on www.joycewatson.co.uk.
Further Information
Welsh Government Media Release
17 October 2012
New Welsh Government campaign aims to draw attention to the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse
A new Welsh Government publicity campaign aimed at highlighting the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse has been launched by Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant.
The campaign builds on work undertaken in the 10,000 Safer Lives project which is about ensuring that all relevant service providers and organisations are able to identify the signs of domestic abuse and are able to effectively support individuals who experience domestic abuse.
The Welsh Government’s campaign will run across a range of media including bus shelter and radio advertising, as well as through social media and the Live Fear Free website.
It will highlight a few of the signs that are commonly associated with victims of abuse, such as gradual or sudden changes in behaviour or personality.
In addition to the campaign the Minister will be highlighting how Wales is prioritising domestic abuse through its forthcoming white paper on the violence against women and domestic abuse bill at a major Women Against Violence Europe (WAVE) conference in London tomorrow.
Carl Sargeant said: “Signs of domestic abuse can often go unnoticed for months, even many years. These warning signs are not always easy to spot, as the abuse can gradually get worse over time.
“Domestic abuse can occur in any relationship. It’s not just women who are victims. Men, women and teenage children can be either the target of the abuse or the abuser.
“Because it happens behind closed doors, the problem is often ignored. The effects of physical and emotional torment can be far-reaching, having huge impact on the health of the victim and that of any children living in the home.
“It’s very difficult to know for certain whether a friend, relative or colleague is a target of domestic abuse unless they tell you, but the Welsh Government’s latest campaign aims to make people more aware of the signs often associated with victims of domestic abuse.”
The Welsh Government’s domestic abuse campaign website address is www.livefearfree.org.uk