Spotlight is on domestic abuse (From Penarth Times)

Spotlight is on domestic abuse

EFFORTS being made to help vulnerable families avoid relationships becoming abusive were outlined at a special event to mark International Women's Day.

Hosted by Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Margaret Alexander, the main speaker to an audience of mainly frontline workers in the field of domestic abuse was Antonia Bridges, manager of Sure Start in the Vale and chairman of the local Domestic Abuse Forum.

Ms Bridges spoke about pattern changing - a technique to help individuals realise that they need not put up with violence in the home and that there are people and organisations to help.

She quoted the number of the Women's Aid all-Wales Helpline (0808 80 10 800) which is open day.

One guest spoke movingly about her experiences and how, several years ago, she found help and encouragement to build a new life through the Vale Women's Aid Refuge which had just opened in Barry.

Vale AM Jane Hutt spoke of the work being undertaken across the area to help abused women and men, and how no-one has the right to inflict suffering on another human being.