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Guidance to help public services in Wales to train their staff to recognise signs of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence has recently been published for consultation, by Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews.

The statutory guidance on the National Training Framework on violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence is the first piece of statutory guidance issued under the recently passed Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act.

Developed in consultation with service users, the National Training Framework is the first of its kind in the UK and outlines, for the first time, the minimum standards of knowledge required across multiple professions in relation to violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Training delivered through the Framework aims to raise levels of awareness of over a quarter of a million public service employees in local authorities, local health boards, Fire and Rescue services and NHS trusts and will offer enhanced, practice-changing training to over 35,000 targeted employees over the next five years.

The Minister said:

"Those who experience violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence are some of the most vulnerable people in our society.  They use a broad range of public services and if staff have an awareness of the issues and their impact and are skilled in identifying the indicators of violence and abuse, they are better placed to ensure services are provided to families in a timely and sensitive manner.

“The National Training Framework will also ensure the highest standard of care and working in services with strong leadership.”

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