WIREDGOV

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews will today lead the debate in the National Assembly for Wales as Assembly Members vote on the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill.

AMs will be voting on Stage Three amendments tabled by Welsh Government to strengthen the Bill. A range of education measures have been proposed, including giving Welsh Ministers the power to issue guidance to governing bodies of higher and further education institutions along with guidance outlining the steps we would want a Local Authority to take to designate a member of staff as a ‘Champion’ to support the purposes of the Bill.

Another amendment will change the name of the Ministerial Adviser to ‘National Adviser’ which better reflects the nature of the role and demonstrates the strong national focus on these issues which this individual will provide.

These build on the improvements made at Stage Two which included a change in the title of the Bill to include Violence against Women.

Leighton Andrews said:

“This is a ground-breaking Bill, the first of its kind in the UK, and the first in Europe to explicitly focus on Violence against Women. It will help tackle the violence and abuse experienced by too many women on a daily basis. It will help save lives.

“Throughout the Bill’s development, we have listened to other political parties, stakeholders and survivors and as a result have strengthened the legislation, particularly around preventative measures like education.”

“This is an opportunity that cannot be missed. The Bill in front of the Assembly today can help prevent Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and protect and support its victims. It will undoubtedly make a very real difference to vulnerable people in Wales.”

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