WIREDGOV

Legislation aimed at confronting gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence, has today (June 30th) been introduced to the National Assembly for Wales. 

The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, has brought forward the Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill.

The Bill recognises the wide reach of these forms of violence and abuse, and aims to protect all members of society. However, it acknowledges violence against women accounts for a disproportionate number of incidents.

Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“This Bill is an important step forward in protecting vulnerable people against violations of their basic human rights, so very often hidden from the rest of the world.

“The wide reach of this legislation looks at all aspects of gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence. We have a strong record in this area. In 2010 we published ‘The Right to be Safe’ our strategy for tackling all forms of violence against women.

“It places a responsibility on us all, from individuals to public sector organisations such as the NHS and the Fire and Rescue Service, to make a stand against such abuse and violence.”

The Bill is part of a wider package of measures aimed at reducing the rates of gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales. It was laid on the same day the Welsh Government launched its Make A Stand campaign to raise awareness of these important issues.

The Welsh Government will also, today, receive White Ribbon accreditation for its commitment to stand against domestic abuse and violence against women through the involvement of men and boys.

The Minister added:

“Key to the wider package of measures to support the Bill is our Healthy Relationships agenda.  I have increased the level of funding provided to Hafan Cymru to extend the coverage of the Spectrum Programme, which delivers Healthy Relationship lessons in schools across Wales.  Progress is also being made in relation to a wider package of whole school approach measures with a view to ensuring schools mainstream addressing gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and sexual violence.”

Should the Bill successfully pass through the National Assembly for Wales, it will place a responsibility on the public sector to improve their responses to these issues.

It will:

• promote awareness of, and to prevent, protect and support victims of, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence;
• strengthen the strategic leadership and accountability for gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence; and 
• improve the consistency, quality and join-up of service provision in Wales.

The Bill will also lead to the appointment of a Ministerial Adviser to work with the Welsh Government to tackle, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence. The post is the first role of its kind in the UK.

The legislation has now been introduced into the National Assembly and the Minister for Local Government and Government Business will deliver an Oral Statement in relation to the Bill during Plenary in the Senedd tomorrow