Minister gives assurances about Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill

1 Oct 2014 04:11 PM

Giving evidence to a committee yesterday, the Minister for Public Services, Leighton Andrews AM provided reassurance a Bill aimed at gender-based abuse will explicitly address violence against women.

The Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill has been the subject of much discussion since it was first introduced in July this year.

During the Communities, Equalities and Local Government Committee, Leighton Andrews said:

“The Welsh Government recognises that gender based violence has a disproportionate impact on women and girls.

“I have spoken to the First Minister about this issue, and I can confirm today that we intend to introduce a government amendment at stage two to add a new section to the Bill probably entitled ‘violence against women and girls’.

“This section would require those exercising the functions of the Bill, across the bulk of the Bill, along with all other relevant matters, to have regard to violence against women and girls.

“The new section would apply to local authorities, local health boards, Welsh Ministers and the Ministerial Adviser.”

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