EditorWelsh weather presenter Ruth Dodsworth backs new domestic abuse booklets — “I wish they had existed when I was being abused”
Welsh weather presenter and domestic abuse survivor Ruth Dodsworth has thrown her support behind a new South Wales resource designed to help women experiencing domestic violence understand their options and find a way out — saying she wishes it had existed when she was going through her own ordeal.
Dodsworth, whose ex-husband was jailed after a near decade-long campaign of harassment and controlling behaviour, spoke at the launch of “From Fear to Freedom” — a bilingual resource produced in both Welsh and English by Soroptimist International Wales South to help women navigate the justice system, access support and take steps towards safety.
“The booklets are wonderful,” she said. “I wish they had been available when I was experiencing domestic abuse. I know these will help so many women, many of whom contact me every day. Breaking the silence is often the hardest step, but it’s the one that leads towards a future defined by your own choice.”
The resource was born directly out of research conducted across courts in South Wales, which found that women leaving court following domestic abuse cases had no idea where to turn next. That research was cited in Parliament by MP Jess Phillips during the launch of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, and directly led to Independent Domestic Violence Advisors being placed in every court in the region.
But the gap between leaving court and knowing what comes next remained. The “From Fear to Freedom” booklets — two complementary volumes covering support options, safety steps and how to navigate the system — were developed in direct response to that need, drawing on input from survivors, domestic abuse services, Citizens Advice, NHS safeguarding leads, Crown Prosecution Service representatives, Police and Crime Commissioner advisors from both Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police, and the Women’s Institute.
The initiative has been praised at the very highest levels. Queen Camilla, who has a longstanding commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse, praised the work of Soroptimist International Wales South, saying she was deeply impressed by the club’s efforts to support survivors.
A former barrister who reviewed the booklets before publication said they were “wonderful — so much useful, helpful and supportive information, presented in such a simple and user-friendly format. These booklets have the power to be lifesavers.”
Helen Scourfield, President of Soroptimist International Wales South, said the research that led to the booklets had made clear how many women were being left without basic information at their most vulnerable moments. “We identified a clear gap — many women did not know what support was available or what processes they might face,” she said. “We developed the content in collaboration with local groups and ensured survivor insight informed the development throughout, to make sure the booklets are accessible and fit for purpose.”
To date, 1,500 booklets have been distributed across South Wales communities, funded by a £3,000 grant from the SIGBI UK Programme Action Committee alongside donations from members, clubs and three local women’s choirs, with a further £1,800 raised at the launch event itself. Further orders are anticipated from domestic abuse services across the region, and the booklets are also available digitally through Welsh Women’s Aid.
The work builds on a wider picture of improving support for domestic abuse victims across South Wales, with Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police among forces that have bucked national trends on coercive control prosecutions in recent years.
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland, founded in 1934, holds consultancy status at the United Nations and operates 248 clubs across the UK, Ireland, Malta, Asia and the Caribbean. Gillie O’Rourke, the organisation’s president, said the South Wales initiative was “typical of the excellent and innovative work Soroptimists undertake in support of women everywhere.”
Women experiencing domestic abuse can access the “From Fear to Freedom” booklets through Welsh Women’s Aid at welshwomensaid.org.uk. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. The Live Fear Free helpline for Wales is available 24 hours a day on 0808 80 10 800.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
TV presenter’s ex-husband jailed after near decade-long campaign of harassment and controlling behaviour
Ruth Dodsworth’s own story — and how the courts dealt with her abuser.
Dyfed-Powys and South Wales Police buck national decline in coercive control charges
How South Wales forces have led the way on prosecuting coercive and controlling behaviour.
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