4. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Update on Ukraine

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:41 pm on 3 May 2022.

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Photo of Heledd Fychan Heledd Fychan Plaid Cymru 3:41, 3 May 2022

(Translated)

Thank you, Dirprwy Lywydd. As we all unfortunately know, sexual violence and exploitation are often witnessed in wars. There are a number of reports of women being raped by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Indeed, on 11 April the BBC broadcast devastating evidence from Ukraine on this issue. It's difficult to comprehend how appallingly these women have been treated, with soldiers from Russia telling many of them that their intention was to abuse them so badly that they wouldn't want sexual contact with any man in future, to prevent them from having children with Ukrainian parents.

A number of charities have been sending medical abortion pills and emergency contraception, the morning-after pill, to parts of Ukraine most affected. Clearly, some of the women who come to Wales for sanctuary will have faced such violence. As part of our humanitarian aid, what support has been given to women who have been raped and who remain in Ukraine, and to those who are in Wales or will come here in future?