Providing discreet access to specialised support for victims of domestic abuse

Equality, diversity and inclusivity run through everything we do and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect at all times. This work is very broad – people face all different kinds of challenges and there are so many ways in which we can provide more help and support to those who need it most.

We were particularly saddened by statistics from police forces across Wales and England which showed a 7% increase in domestic abuse reports last summer. In one report, Dyfed Powys Police received 900 reports of domestic abuse in August compared with 350 incidents per month in 2017.

We know that domestic abuse can be incredibly isolating, and in many cases, it seems the pandemic has caused victims to become even more isolated, making it even harder for them to seek support. We want to do all we can to help victims of domestic violence – whether they’re our colleagues or our customers - and make it as easy as possible for them to safely access the help they need.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with ‘Online Safe Spaces’ by adding a discreet portal on our website. The portal is designed to help those experiencing domestic abuse to access specialist help and advice has been added to the foot of all the pages of Welsh Water’s website.

Clicking the ‘Online Safe Spaces’ button directs users to free specialist domestic abuse support’. Victims can access a directory of specialist support services and helplines, complete a questionnaire to assess the safety of their relationship, and access information on sexual violence, stalking and harassment.

The technology, which was was developed by Royal Mail, can be used in the confidence that the webpage does not appear in internet browsing history and has an immediate exit function should victims need to close down the page quickly.

Including a link to the Online Safe Spaces portal on our website helps to increase the number of opportunities for victims to safety access professional support. We’re pleased and proud to be able to offer this to anyone visiting dwrcymru.com and stand in solidarity with all victims of domestic violence.