Police launch Domestic Violence campaign ahead of autumn rugby internationals

The Four Welsh Police forces in line with the ‘Wales tackling Domestic Violence strategy’ have today launched a month long campaign to help reduce incidences of Domestic Violence this autumn.

The campaign which involves both radio and train station advertising aims to deliver a very stark warning to the perpetrators; If you are abusing your partner, the police no longer need to take a statement to make an arrest, there are no longer safe houses for those who commit Domestic Violence.

The campaign specifically targets men who abuse women, as they account for the majority of all reported incidents and violent assaults.

Rugby spectators travelling by train from all over Wales to the City Centre will see the posters carrying these hard hitting messages, displayed at both Cardiff Central and Queen Street stations from the 4th of November.

These venues were carefully chosen to confront men about the issue when they least expect it, for instance, when travelling with friends to watch a ruby match, or in the pub. They will also be found in places such as leisure centres, and cinemas.

Superintendent Kevin O’Neill, Head of South Wales Police’s Public Protection Department said:

“Domestic abuse is a very serious crime and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

“The new service level agreement signed with the Crown Prosecution Service means that we no longer have to rely on a victim’s statement to pursue those responsible.

“Two women are murdered every week in England and Wales at the hands of partners or ex partners, and we will do all we can to positively change that statistic and be proactive in preventing these murders.

“Specially trained officers and interview teams will be on hand throughout the month of November to adopt preventive measures as well as being on hand to deal with any issues that arise surrounding domestic violence.

“However, this is not an approach undertaken for international weekends alone, but part of our all Wales public protection strategy to protect and support those living within our communities.

"Those persons responsible for Domestic violence must understand that our main intention is to protect those vulnerable victims by arresting those responsible and placing them before the court whenever possible."

Anyone suffering from, or with information relating to incidents of domestic violence should:

Call 999 in an emergency
Contact their local police station or local domestic abuse officer
Contact the Wales Domestic Abuse 24 hour helpline on 0808 80 10 800

The text on the poster reads:

Bad day at work? How will you unwind, couple of pints, nice meal, break your partner’s jaw?

People would never guess that at home you’re a vicious bully. You should know police no longer need to take statements to make an arrest. If we have reasonable grounds we will arrest you immediately.

There are no longer safe houses for those whom commit Domestic Violence.