The Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015

Part of Questions to the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip – in the Senedd at 2:31 pm on 10 December 2019.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 2:31, 10 December 2019

And I thank David Melding for raising this question today. You will be aware of my written statement on 25 November, where the report did show that—. The Wales Audit Office published its report and it did show that the Act is improving services across Wales, but clearly there is more to do. I think it's important that the WAO report says that the Act is helping to drive the transformation of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services, and that it's been critical in driving change. But, of course, this actually involves not just Welsh Government in the lead, but local authorities, local health boards, setting their clear strategies for awareness raising, prevention and regionalisation, and also making sure that they do focus on addressing underperformance and setting strategic equality objectives. So, this groundbreaking piece of made-in-Wales legislation is helping to drive the transformation of services, but, clearly, we have to address the recommendations.