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Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews is looking to strengthen the Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill and reflect the disproportionate effect domestic abuse and sexual violence has on women.

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews is looking to strengthen the Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill and reflect the disproportionate effect domestic abuse and sexual violence has on women.

The Bill will face scrutiny during the Community, Equality and Local Government Committee today (Thursday 22), where the ten Welsh Government amendments, alongside those tabled by opposition parties, will be discussed.

One of the changes put forward by the Minister is a change to the title. Should it become law, the Bill will be known as the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act.

A section has been added to the Bill, which places extra emphasis on addressing the statistically supported fact that violence against women and girls accounts for a disproportionate number of incidents.

An amendment has also been tabled which would lead to Local Authorities reporting annually on what action is being taken in their areas in relation to education provision, including in schools, to address gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

It provides significant scope to have a real impact, providing the Ministerial Adviser with a robust evidence base and ensuring Local Authorities and Local Health Boards are fully held to account for action they take in this area, which will inevitably lead to improvements in the context of local strategies.

Leighton Andrews said:

“This Bill focusses on prevention, protection and the support of victims, and places a responsibility on the public sector to improve its response to these issues.

“It will 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.

“Through the Bill, we aim to ensure those working in public services such as health, social services, education, housing and the fire service can recognise the signs of abuse and take action to protect adults and children at risk.”  

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