Our findings highlight that domestic abuse in Port Talbot cannot be understood in isolation. Economic pressures, limited service provision, and social stigma intersect to place women and families at greater risk. The women who bravely took part in this study spoke about the devastating impact of coercive control, the challenges of accessing timely support, and the long-term toll that abuse takes on identity, confidence and wellbeing.
The evaluation was carried out in two stages: focus groups with professionals working in criminal justice, social care and community services, followed by in-depth interviews with women living with the impact of abuse. Professionals described a growing demand for support and increasingly complex needs among victims-survivors, warning that women are often identified too late for early intervention. Women shared personal accounts of how coercive control eroded their sense of self, leaving them isolated, stigmatised and struggling to leave abusive relationships.
Participants also reflected on their experiences of professional support, noting that while specialist services offered invaluable expertise and empathy, broader systems often placed responsibility on victims-survivors rather than perpetrators. The shortage of refuge spaces, delays in accessing psychological support and insecure housing were described as further barriers to recovery.
Despite these challenges, community-based services in Port Talbot were widely praised for their commitment and impact. The research emphasises the urgent need for secure, long-term funding, a focus on perpetrator interventions, better understanding of coercive control, and a whole-community approach to prevention and intervention.
Dr Davies added, “Delays in psychological support, limited refuge spaces, and short-term funding place women and children at greater risk. If we are to tackle domestic abuse effectively, we need prevention and early intervention, better awareness of coercive control, and secure funding for the specialist services that provide essential support.”
The study calls for stronger strategic responses across Neath Port Talbot, greater inclusion of domestic abuse services in health planning, and further research to track long-term needs and assess the economic costs of abuse across Wales and the findings highlight the urgency of action.
