LOCAL women’s groups got to see how support services are working together to help victims of domestic abuse, when they visited the Pembrokeshire Centre for Domestic Abuse Resource (Cedar).

Cedar is a ‘one stop shop’ for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, whether as a victim, friend, relative or child.

In 2013, Pembrokeshire County Council received £300,000 to develop the centre, which provides advice, counselling and training to anyone - men, women and children - seeking support.

At a recent coffee morning, representatives from the Pembrokeshire Soroptomists, Hafan Cymru, Mothers’ Affection Matters (MAMs) counselling service, Pembrokeshire Women’s Festival and the Gwalia Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors got to see how the centre is helping local people.

As part of the event, a cheque of £500 was also presented by the Pembrokeshire Women’s Festival to MAMs to support its vital work with vulnerable young women.

MAMs provides free individual and group therapy for women who have experienced trauma and domestic abuse, and have so far helped more than 80 Pembrokeshire women.

Its work is made possible through donations and grants received from Hywel Dda UHB, Communities First, Hafan Cymru, Adlerian Society of Wales, Rotary Clubs in Pembrokeshire, Greggs Foundation, FBM Estate Agents, Pembrokeshire Women’s Festival and sponsorship from the generous people of Pembrokeshire.

The event comes ahead of International Women's Day, on March 8, which aims to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality.

Pembrokeshire Women's Festival will be joining these celebrations by organising events throughout March, these will include showcasing local artists, a production of the The Vagina Monologues, a weekend of workshops and stalls at the Picton Centre in Haverfordwest, and much more.

This year, profits from the event will go to Hafan Cymru, which works to prevent abuse and promoting independence for women, men and children escaping domestic abuse.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you can seek help and support from the All Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.