Speaking at today’s Hafan Cymru AGM in Llandudno, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood called for the budget for the Supporting People Programme to be protected and more support for services helping those affected by domestic abuse.
At the meeting, which took place at Venue Cymru, Mr Isherwood commended the work of Hafan Cymru, a charitable housing association that provides housing and support to men, women, their children and young people across Wales, for primarily working with those escaping domestic abuse, helping them regain their independence and for being committed and passionate about saving lives.
He said: “It is commendable that you offer a complete package of support provision to help people with a wide range of often complex or multiple needs – including those who have experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse; those recovering their mental health; ex-offenders; substance misusers and care leavers.”
Speaking on violence against women, he said:
“The inaugural meeting of the Cross Party Group on Violence Against Women and Children, which I have been asked to Co-Chair, is scheduled for 5th October.
“I also Chair the Cross Party Group on Fathers and Fatherhood. The speaker at our meeting on Wednesday was Erin Pizzey, the campaigner against domestic violence who opened the world’s first refuge in Chiswick in 1971.
“She told us this was about generational family violence, that we need to look at parenting, that if we don’t intervene, these are the people who will fill our prisons and hospitals - and that both women and men need to be part of the dialogue.”
Mr Isherwood highlighted that last Year Welsh Women’s Aid local member services supported 6,220 female survivors of domestic abuse and 1,007 children, which included 1,306 women housed in emergency refuge accommodation.
Calling for more funding for the Supporting People Programme, Mr Isherwood stressed that it saves £2.30 for every £1 spent, preventing homelessness, preventing spending on Health and Social Care and increasing community safety – minimising the need for high cost interventions and reducing avoidable pressure on statutory services.