1. Will the Deputy Minister make a statement on the implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015? OAQ54824

The Wales Audit Office report and the 2019 White Ribbon campaign have highlighted the need to implement the Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 rigorously across the public sector in Wales, in partnership with specialist services. 

Minister, as you know, the auditor general has said that victims and survivors face a fragmented system that is inconsistent, complex and short term. And he says that progress on delivering on the key aspects of the Act is poor and has not had the desired impact. And he calls for effective collaboration and joint working in key areas, and that we must redouble our efforts to ensure that there is this sort of co-ordinated approach. Now, I think it's very important the Government reacts to this very considered criticism because there is cross-party support to improve services in this vital area. And as we make so many gains in how the public reject any talk of accepting domestic violence as in any way a norm—and we've seen our emergency services respond, police magnificently as well, in changing their systems on how they deal with these issues—we've got to ensure that the services that we then provide the survivors and victims are the best they can possibly be. Now, I know we can't get there overnight, but it is important that we look at this very, very carefully to ensure that we do get better services. 

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. 

I want to raise with you a case concerning a 14-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted. The perpetrator pleaded guilty and, in September, received a sentence of 24 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. A sexual harm prevention order was made for 10 years and he was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years. The suspended sentence has resulted in this convicted paedophile being allowed to return to his home less than 300 ft away from the family home of the victim. His continued presence is making the whole family, but particularly the vulnerable teenaged girl, feel intimidated, unsafe and unable to move on. The whole family are undertaking counselling and mental health support to come to terms with what has happened, but the ongoing, daily traumatic reminders of what happened means recovery is nigh on impossible. 

This is not justice. This is an outrage. It's because of cases like this that I want to see the criminal justice system devolved. Surely, we would put victim protection, child safeguarding and public safety at the heart of a Welsh-run criminal justice system. We have legislation in Wales that should offer protection to the child victim in this case, and others in a similar situation. The Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 should be one option to provide protection. Furthermore, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 makes it clear that well-being includes the right to be free from abuse and being in control of your day-to-day life. The convicted perpetrator in this case needs to be moved before any more harm can be done. This girl should not have to face her abuser every single day. 

Deputy Minister, what hope can you offer to the family that I met this week?

Well, again, I thank Leanne Wood for bringing this to our attention in this Chamber today. Clearly, we have responsibilities in terms of safeguarding our children from child sexual abuse and exploitation, and, indeed, we are developing and consulting on the statutory guidance. But it is also a responsibility of the justice system, and I will also make sure that this case is raised at the highest level in terms of our police and police and crime commissioners.