WIREDGOV

Welsh Government Leader of the House, Julie James, has announced the appointment of Yasmin Khan and Nazir Afzal as the new National Advisors for Violence against Women, Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

They will take up the role on a job share basis from 22 January. They will advise the Welsh Government on how most effectively to implement the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015. Yasmin and Nazir will also work with victims and survivors and with other partners to shape and inform improvements in the way services are planned, commissioned and delivered.

Nazir Afzal OBE, was Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England and most recently, he was Chief Executive of the country’s Police & Crime Commissioners Association. During a 24 year career, has prosecuted some of the most high profile cases in the country and advised on many others and led nationally on several legal topics including Violence against Women & Girls, child sexual abuse, and honour based violence.

Yasmin Khan  is the pioneering founder of a forced marriage and honour based violence charity, the Halo Project. Yasmin has worked with communities, and particularly women, in addressing inequalities in the field of employment, education and training.

Leader of the House, Julie James, said:

“Yasmin Khan and Nazir Afzal bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role and will provide valuable leadership in building on the work already done under this groundbreaking Act. I look forward to working with them both as we combat all forms of violence against women, domestic abuse, gender-based violence and sexual violence.”

Yasmin Khan said:

“The appointment of a National Advisor for Wales demonstrates the Government’s commitment to tackling and eradicating all forms of violence against women experiencing, and at risk of domestic and sexual abuse and all forms of gender-based violence. I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as Wales’  National Advisor and look forward to meeting partners, communities and stakeholders to ensure Wales can become one of the safest places for women and girls to live, prosper and feel safe.”

Nazir Afzal said:

“I am very pleased to be appointed to this important role in helping to deliver this pioneering Act. I look forward to working with the Welsh Government to tackle all forms of violence against women and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. I want to help make Wales a world leader in eradicating these crimes and one of the safest places in the world to be a woman.”