Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence strategy for Wales

26th May 2022

The Welsh Government has launched a new strategy for tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV) in Wales until 2026.

It outlines six key aims that the Welsh Government, together with partners in the public and third sector will commit to.

These are:

  • Challenge attitudes to violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence by raising awareness of its impact and consequences.
  • Increase awareness of the importance of safe, equal and healthy relationships.
  • Hold those who commit abuse to account and help people who carry out abusive or violent behaviour to change.
  • Prioritise early intervention and prevention.
  • Provide training to professionals so they are equipped to give effective, timely and appropriate support to victims and survivors.
  • Provide all victims with equal access to properly-resourced, high-quality support services, wherever they live in Wales.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “I welcome the Welsh Government’s new strategy and am pleased that my office was able to contribute to it. The new strategy puts the victim at the heart of decision making, and recognises the real need to tackle the roots causes, and not just the effects, of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“Although policing powers are not devolved to Wales we already work in partnership with the Welsh Government and our other partners to take a multi-agency approach to tackling VAWDASV in our communities.

“This new strategy solidifies our commitment to work together to respond to these big societal issues and create a safer Wales for women, girls and all victims of abuse.”

Read the full strategy on the Welsh Government website.