Abuse calls rise amid recession

A rise in calls may be because the helpline number is better known

Research for a summit on the recession shows a leap in calls to a domestic abuse helpline in Wales.

Around 14,000 calls have been made to the helpline since December, and 8,000 had not phoned before.

But many of the calls to the Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline may be because of greater awareness of the its number.

According to research presented to the sixth all-Wales Economic Summit, financial difficulties could lead to more relationship break-ups.

The summit also heard about problems caused by increasing levels of unemployment.

Wales has seen rising unemployment with the rate standing at 108,000 people, or 7.5% of the workforce.

The summit heard research that showed unemployment could lead to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.

Among those at the summit in Merthyr were First Minister Rhodri Morgan and his deputy, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Leaders from the business community and the charity sector attended the summit at the Welsh Assembly Government office in Rhydycar, Merthyr.

There were also representatives of the Citizens' Advice Bureau and Wales Council for Voluntary Action, representatives of some banks, the employer's organisation CBI and the Federation of Small Businesses.

Ill-health

The main impact of the economic downturn related to housing issues, the summit was told, with a likely increase in mortgage arrears, court orders and re-possessions.

Recent forecasts by the Council of Mortgage Lenders suggest there may be around 2,250 repossessions in Wales in 2009.

The summit was told of evidence of the link between unemployment and ill-health which may be long-lasting.

Mental health problems may be made worse in a recession if combined with factors such as financial difficulties or losing a home.

It also suggested the recession will lead to more families facing severe poverty, making meeting the target of halving child poverty by 2010 even more challenging the research said.

The Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 80 10 800, and is open 24 hours a day.

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