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 5:07 pm on 7 December 2021.

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Photo of Mabon ap Gwynfor Mabon ap Gwynfor Plaid Cymru 5:07, 7 December 2021

(Translated)

It's sad to hear those statistics today in terms of domestic violence. I visited the police sergeant responsible for Dwyfor Meirionnydd recently, and he said that over the last year or two, the number of cases of domestic violence has increased incredibly. What saddened me even more was a visit with the Wales Air Ambulance last Friday in Dinas Dinlle, and they said that their calls have now increased significantly, and they were going out because of domestic violence. It demonstrates the challenge facing us, so thank you very much for your statement.

I want to focus on one particular point. In objective six in your written statement, you say:

'Provide victims with equal access to appropriately resourced high quality needs led, strength based, gender responsive services across Wales.'

Will you expand on what exactly you mean by 'equal access'? I've noted in the past, in a conversation with you here in the Chamber, the fact that there is only one sexual assault referral centre in north Wales, which is in Colwyn Bay, and we need to see more of these. So, what exactly does providing 'equal access' to all victims mean, and will you ensure that rural communities don't miss out? Thank you.