Crime figures show that Gwent is one of the safest places in the UK
The latest crime figures from the Office for National Statistics show that Gwent has one of the lowest levels of recorded crime in the UK.
It reinforces the fact that Gwent remains a safe place to live work and visit, and I am reassured that this reflects the dedication and determination by Gwent Police to protect our communities.
However, we are concerned that crimes such as sexual violence and domestic abuse are going unreported. Victims may be trapped at home with their abusers, or afraid that they will be in trouble for breaking Covid restrictions if they come forward.
I know it may be difficult but if you have been a victim of these crimes I want to reassure you that help is available and I would urge you to speak out.
Details are available below.
Support for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence
Victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse can report incidents to Gwent Police via their Facebook page, 101 or calling 999 in an emergency.
If you don’t want to speak to the police, our partner agencies can help and support you, and keep you safe.
New Pathways provides rape crisis and sexual abuse support services, and specialist services for child victims of sexual abuse.
Cyfannol Women’s Aid provide domestic abuse and sexual violence support services across Gwent.
Connect Gwent offers a wide range of support and you do not have to have reported a crime to the police to access these services.
LGBT+ History Month
LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come as a society, and to celebrate the contribution that LGBT+ communities make here in Gwent.
The social landscape has changed over the years and although we are moving in the right direction, there is still much to be done.
There are some people who still suffer appalling abuse and discrimination because of their gender identity or sexuality. I want to be clear that this will not be tolerated here in Gwent and if you have been a victim of this kind of crime I would urge you to report it.
My office supports services such as Umbrella Cymru that provide high quality emotional and practical support, information, and advocacy for LGBT+ victims of crime.
UK Government announces major funding boost for victims
The UK Government has announced a £40million funding boost for services that support victims of rape and domestic abuse.
It includes:
£20.7 million to support for community-based sexual violence and domestic abuse services.
£16 million to recruit more independent sexual violence and domestic abuse advisers.
£2 million for specialist organisations helping BAME, LGBTQ+ or disabled victims.
£1.3 million for remote and online services.
We have been warning the UK Government about the pressures victim support services are facing during lockdown for some time and I am pleased that they are listening to our concerns and those of our partners.
We will be working closely with our partners over the coming weeks to help ensure that support services here in Gwent are able to access their fair share of the funding.
