A SUPPORT group for victims of domestic abuse is having its funding slashed as the council makes drastic cutbacks to services.

The Carmarthen branch of Women's Aid, which provides support for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, is set to lose almost half of its funding.

The Journal understands that the organisation will be forced to cut jobs as it adjusts to tumbling revenues from £235,414 last year to £125,578 for the year ahead.

A Carmarthen councillor whose family have personal experience of domestic abuse called the cuts "an attack on essential frontline services that is difficult to comprehend".

In a letter obtained by the Journal, Women's Aid business manager Ruth Hazell has called on all councillors for help in preventing "unprecedented cuts in funding".

The letter states: "We [Women's Aid] are worried the council is not taking an overview and seeing the bigger picture.

"We will be very restricted in our provision of direct support to children [who] may go on to need more costly interventions in the future.

"We need your help."

Women's Aid declined to speak directly to the Journal.

Carmarthen councillor Alan Speake said the cuts to the service would hurt the most vulnerable.

He said: "A close member of our own family had to flee domestic violence 10 years ago after she suffered domestic abuse and beatings and all the psychological problems that come with it.

"The support she received was outstanding from local groups and council staff.

"Women's Aid is a vital service and this huge cut in the budget is difficult to comprehend as many vulnerable mothers and their children still need essential support.

"Money is extremely tight, but to many tax payers this will not make any sense and may appear callous."

A Carmarthenshire Council spokesperson said: "The authority is meeting Women's Aid to discuss the impact of funding changes and how they can continue to deliver their valuable service."