PARTNERSHIP groups are working together to cut domestic abuse rates in Monmouthshire.

Members of the Monmouthshire Housing Partnership met with council representatives to discuss what can be done to combat the number of crimes in the area.

Council statistics show more than half of all violent crime in Monmouthshire is domestic abuse 84 per cent of victims are women.

Representatives of housing organisations, Victim Support, voluntary organisations, councillors and council officers all attended.

Monmouthshire Council, domestic abuse coordinator, Rachel Allen said domestic abuse was one of the main reasons for homelessness in the area.

Anyone who may have information regarding domestic abuse can contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.

The majority of the scams have fake referrals or testimonials and often market themselves under different names, such as “gifting circles.”