VICTIMS of domestic abuse have found help and refuge through a scheme started in Barry earlier this year.
Eight people from across the Vale have been assisted by the scheme which started in Barry Hospital and the University Hospital Wales in September.
This comes as a result of a pilot scheme to help University Health Board staff identify and aid those experiencing domestic abuse and violence.
Speaking on the international day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, the University Health Board's Simon Williams said the approach was already making a big difference to people's lives.
Mr Williams, the Health Board’s lead nurse for safeguarding adults, said: "Over the last 12 months the Safeguarding Team have been liaising closely with specialist domestic violence and sexual abuse agencies within Cardiff and the Vale to put in place a single referral pathway.
“A pathway has been developed to ensure that UHB staff are aware of how to signpost victims on to the most appropriate service.
"The pilot of the new process started in September within the Emergency Unit in UHW and Minor Injuries at Barry Hospital.
"So far five victims have made contact with specialist agencies by telephone while three have met face to face and have taken up the option of residing in a safe refuge."
The pathway was launched along with a new policy to help UHB staff identify and address domestic violence.
It was launched at the University Hospital of Wales and coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for tackling domestic violence attended the launch and spoke with staff about the work they are doing.
The Minister said: “Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s pilot scheme has shown some very encouraging results so far. This is exactly the sort of work the Welsh Government is encouraging and our Ending Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Bill which will be introduced in June next year will place a duty on key public sector professionals such as Health Care workers to ‘ask and act’ in relation
to violence against women domestic abuse."
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