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In 2024, around 2.3m people in the UK suffered some form of domestic abuse, that’s 1.6 million women (8.5% of the population) and 760,000 men, according to the Office for National Statistics. It takes on average, 7 attempts before a victim of domestic abuse is able to leave for good.
This concerning national picture was the backdrop to a visit on 4 March by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin to DASU (Domestic Abuse Safety Unit), an organisation commissioned by the PCC to provide professional coordinated and targeted interventions to people experiencing domestic abuse right across North Wales. Due to the confidential nature of the work of DASU, and to protect victims, the location of the visit cannot be disclosed, but it took place in one of the main towns along the North Wales coast.
Over the past 12 months, the organisation has received 575 referrals for its services across North Wales. There are 86 spaces available in refuges for victims of domestic violence, with DASU having 50 of these spaces alone. The primary need for space is from victims of domestic violence, but many clients will have other support needs such as mental health, substance misuse, exploitation, and sexual violence considerations. DASU also has specific complex needs units in Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire, which are always full.
During the visit, the PCC was accompanied by his office’s Criminal Justice Manager, Rhian Rees-Roberts and the two met DASU CEO Gaynor McKeown and DASU Head of Refuges Rachel Roberts. The group discussed the large number of refuge places available to victims of domestic violence in North Wales and the grant support that has come from both the office of the PCC and Welsh Government to support victims in North Wales. This year, support has totalled nearly £2.6 million in capital grants for refuge units, refurbishment, offices and other items, such as target hardening equipment. Following this meeting the group visited a short-term refuge building, with two self-contained rooms, which are available for victims fleeing domestic violence to stay for up to 72 hours while a longer-term refuge is found.
The short-term refuge spaces that DASU now has are the only of their kind in the UK in providing refuge accommodation for up to 72 hours for clients who cannot immediately go into a longer-term space. This is often because other refuge providers will not accept referrals at night or over the weekend. Or it could be that they have pets or older male children and have to wait until DASU can get a new space when someone is moving on to their new permanent home.
Many refuges will not accept a woman into a communal refuge if they have a male child of 12 or over, which can leave the individual with no choice but to return home, or leave her child with the perpetrator. DASU accepts clients with pets, older male children, those with caring responsibilities for an older relative, those with complex needs, mental health needs, or convictions.
Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales commented: “I was impressed to see the facilities that DASU has in place to support and assist victims of domestic violence. My Police and Crime Plan for North Wales has supporting victims as a key priority. Within this overarching goal, ending violence against women and girls is crucial – as is bringing the perpetrator to justice and the victim feeling justice has been done.
“I was pleased to hear how many spaces are available in refuges across the region to help victims as they hopefully start a new life and freedom away from their perpetrator, and I am glad that my office and Welsh Government have been able to support DASU in its work. DASU should be proud of the refuge spaces that they have created for victims and I hope that people in the most vulnerable of positions will find strength, reassurance and hope in their new accommodation.”
Gaynor McKeown, CEO, DASU, said: “I was concerned to read recent reports and comments in the media about a lack of refuge space for victims of domestic abuse in North Wales and felt it important to clarify the extensive support that exists for victims. Hence, I invited the PCC in to see our accommodation and to highlight that there are over 80 spaces across the region where victims can be supported. This includes several dedicated refuge spaces for victims of Domestic Abuse with the most complex and multiple complex needs. This additional provision has been made possible through the grant support of the PCC and Welsh Government.
“I am immensely proud of the excellent relationship we have with North Wales Police and the extent to which we work together to help support victims. If any other political figure should wish to contact me to see what we offer and achieve at DASU, I would be delighted to assist and to show them what outstanding service and support our citizens can access.”
DASU currently operates several One Stop Shops across the different counties of North Wales and 50 refuge spaces , they have over 30 years’ experience in delivering free, high-quality specialised and professional services to women, men and their children who are or have experienced domestic abuse. This enables them to live fear-free in communities, optimising their ability to manage their own safety and wellbeing. Services include Independent Domestic Violence Advocates, crisis intervention, outreach and resettlement, safe refuge accommodation, advocacy and children and young people’s services. For more information on DASU visit: www.dasunorthwales.co.uk