Domestic abuse occurs when an individual suffers physical, psychological, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse by a current partner, previous partner, or an adult family member.
Sufferers may experience a combination of abusive behaviour, for example:
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Physical violence
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Verbal threats and put downs
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Psychological and emotional abuse such as isolation from loved ones or humiliation
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Sexual violence such as rape
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Financial control such as withholding money
Both men and women may suffer domestic abuse. It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault; it’s the abuser who has the problem – not you.
South Wales Police are here to help you live your life free of fear of abuse as well as abuse itself.
We have specialist police personnel on each division who are aware of the difficulties that you may be facing, and they can offer practical advice about how to stop the abuse, either for yourself or another.
During the course of the investigation and beyond, the safety of you and your children is our top priority. Our officers will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have, and can provide useful addresses and telephone numbers of support organisations near you.
South Wales Police work closely with statutory and voluntary agency partners to assist all high-risk victims, and we regularly meet to develop effective safety plans to protect victims, children and any other vulnerable person.
You do not have to be experiencing domestic abuse at the time to speak to a police officer.
We also have a number of resources we can implement to protect victims long-term, including:
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Police Watch, which provides a visible police presence to both the victim and the suspected abuser. It involves home visits and patrols within the vicinity of the incident on a fixed basis following reported incidents of domestic abuse.
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Cocoon Watch, which requests the help and support of neighbours, family and relevant agencies in further protecting the victim by contacting the police immediately if further incidents occur. A 'Cocoon Watch' is only implemented with the informed consent of the victim.
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Alarm systems
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Mobile telephones
The South Wales Police Domestic Abuse Units can be contacted on the following telephone numbers:
Merthyr Tydfil: 01685 724260
Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taff: 01443 743742
Cardiff: 029 2052 1212
Vale of Glamorgan: 01446 746988
Bridgend: 01656 305826/305821
Neath and Port Talbot: 01639 640248
Swansea: 01792 562759
If you believe that you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, you can report it to the police by dialling 101.
In an emergency, always dial 999.