6. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: The Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:10 pm on 7 December 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 5:10, 7 December 2021

For the record, in 2018 I became a proud White Ribbon ambassador, and I very much welcome today's statement from the Minister. But, I want to start with a statement and a simple message that cannot be said enough: it is men that have to change if we are to tackle violence against women and misogyny. Deputy Presiding Officer, we've heard today from the Minister and Members across the Chamber of the shocking and deeply troubling statistics, which I won't repeat, but whenever I speak about violence against women, I always receive the same message: what about men? Now, whilst domestic abuse against men is a very real and very serious issue, it is important to note that of all homicides, 38 per cent of female victims are killed by a current or former partner. Now, the White Ribbon campaign is about getting men to understand that scale of the problem. It's also to understand that it is our problem as men—not women, men. But despite all of the work White Ribbon are doing and many other organisations are doing, some men are proving harder to reach than others. Minister, therefore, can I ask you what action the Welsh Government can take to encourage organisations, large or small, across Wales to take the White Ribbon promise and spread this extremely important message?