A Caerphilly County Borough victim of domestic abuse has spoken of her ordeal in the hope to help other victims “set themselves free”.
The woman, who does not wish to be identified, spoke on White Ribbon Day, held on November 25, at the relaunch of a service to help victims of domestic violence.
Caerphilly County Borough Council re-launched the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in Ystrad Mynach, a facility designed to be a one-stop-shop for domestic violence victims.
The woman, who has benefitted from the service, said: “I suffered domestic violence at the hands of two former partners for more than seven years and felt I had no where to turn.
“I feared for my safety and the safety of my children. I felt drained, sad, depressed, lonely and scared.
“Attending the Llamau freedom course at the MAC helped me in so many ways to realise that I could change my life, making it safer for my family and that’s exactly what I did.
“The building has become like a second home and everyone has been so supportive. I hope one day to become a volunteer and help other victims of domestic violence to set themselves free.”
The centre has been in operation for seven years and has helped hundreds of residents.
The Safer Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum has been encouraging men and boys to don the white ribbon to show opposition to domestic abuse and raise awareness of gender-based violence.
Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Keith Reynolds, said: “We are always keen to highlight the support available to residents but it is particularly poignant that we do so on White Ribbon Day, when thousands of people stand together in an effort to eradicate violence against women.”
The Multi-Agency Centre can be contacted on 01443 819317 Monday to Thursday between 9am to 5pm and Friday between 9am and 4.30pm.
The out of hours Llamau Integrated Domestic Abuse Services number is 02920 860255.