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Your roundup of local and national
domestic abuse stories
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South African president’s shame over surge in murders of women
South Africa’s president says it has been a “dark and shameful week” for his country following a surge in violence against women. Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks come after several femicides, including one woman who was eight months pregnant and found stabbed and hanging from a tree. He noted they had occurred since some coronavirus restrictions were lifted, including a ban on the sale of alcohol. The culture of silence around gender-based violence had to end, he said. “Gender-based violence thrives in a climate of silence. With our silence, by looking the other way because we believe it is a personal or family matter, we become complicit in this most insidious of crimes,” President Ramaphosa said. As many as 51% of women in South Africa had experienced violence at the hands of someone they were in a relationship with, the president’s statement said.
-BBC News
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My dad hit, slapped and raped my mum for years – as her son it affected me for life
At least 23 women have been killed in suspected domestic violence incidents in the UK since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed – the highest rate in eight years. Thousands more women and children are currently trapped in unsafe homes, fearing for their lives. When I force myself to think about that, I find it almost intolerable. I know something of the terror those women feel, and I know the horror and confusion those children are experiencing. The pain lives inside me. When I, a 42-year-old man, think back to my own childhood, I can’t stop the tears. What I saw back then affected every part of my life. It still does. It shaped the man I became and it will be shaping every other child going through it.
-The Telegraph
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Domestic abuse victims in Ireland to receive rent supplement without means testing
Victims of domestic violence will be able to access the state’s rent supplement payment without a means test, the government has said. Under changes announced by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, victims of domestic violence can get immediate access to rent supplement for a three-month period to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns. The department said that the usual rent supplement means test would not apply to this period. After that a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment.
-The Times
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PCC Jeff Cuthbert says people can spot signs of abuse
THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent is urging residents to learn how to spot the signs of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of older people. Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert made the announcement while marking ‘World Elder Abuse Day’ on Monday June 15, which aims to focus global attention on the growing problem of elder abuse. Mr Cuthbert has marked tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV) as key priorities, and says he is committed to encouraging people experiencing it to seek help, and for residents to raise safeguarding concerns with professionals.
-South Wales Argus
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