We must not turn a blind eye to abuse

THE thought of going home at the end of the day can be a cause of delight, but for too many it is a source of terror.

Too many people in Wales enter a danger zone when they step inside their homes because they share their lives with a violent and abusive individual.

The issue of “domestic abuse” is slowly rising up the political agenda but the words do not convey the full force of the horror which parents and children experience.

Physical violence, bullying, humiliation and deprivation are a reality for people across age and income spectrums. Wales has traditionally taught each generation the importance of loving your neighbours, but if we fail to help people escape such abuse we are guilty of gross hypocrisy.

Even if someone finds the courage to flee, they can struggle to find somewhere safe to sleep that night. And a perpetrator of abuse can then become a vicious and terrifying stalker.

Westminster’s cross-party Home Affairs Committee has put forward strong recommendations that offer bold and imaginative responses to the suffering that has been tolerated across the country for too long.

There is a compelling case for putting serial stalkers and domestic abusers on a national register so they can be monitored in the same way that authorities keep track of rapists and paedophiles.

The idea of paid leave for people who have suffered domestic abuse also deserves serious consideration. This could be a measure that keeps people out of poverty and makes them less susceptible to coercion and exploitation.

The MPs also raise concerns about the single household payment of Universal Credit, the UK Government’s flagship welfare reform.

If an abusive partner is able to control access to the governmentfunded support that comes into a house this can increase their power within those four walls over the rest of the family.

It would be a tragedy if a wellintentioned overhaul of benefits made it harder for victims of abuse to escape with their children and led to loss of life and continuing violence.

It is also deeply concerning that so many refuges are not able to meet the demand as people look for help. How can we claim to be a civilised society if those who are in danger cannot find sanctuary?

Today’s report should be read by decision-makers across all branches of government and be a catalyst for urgently-needed action.