Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:33 pm on 31 January 2023.
Well, as Buffy Williams has outlined, in Wales, we know that too many people still experience domestic abuse and sexual violence, and our strategy absolutely puts prevention at its core, shifting the focus from symptom to cause through a public health approach. Buffy Williams referred to our groundbreaking Act back in 2015, and that created duties on local authorities and health boards in Wales to publish and implement strategies for addressing these issues in our local communities, and that really ensures that tackling violence against women and girls is prioritised right across Wales.
You mentioned the upcoming six nations campaign, and, through our Live Fear Free campaigns, that is a time that we do publicise those more. And we will continue to raise awareness of stalking, of harassment, of abuse and violence against women in all aspects of life, and that includes the street and other public places. And what these campaigns really do is provide practical advice for those who may be suffering abuse, but, as well as highlighting the support that's available to enable friends and family, and the wider community, to recognise abuse and take safe action, and signposting for people who perpetrate, who are themselves concerned about their behaviour. The Welsh Government does continue to fund regional advisers and specialist services, including the 24/7 Live Fear Free helpline. That supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and works tirelessly to ensure that no victim falls through the gaps of service provision, and especially those at higher risk. And we welcome long-term collaboration and partnership working between the services, and also the criminal justice services, really working together to deal with the complexities of the trauma that can be experienced.