WWA response to this consultation has been written having considered the number of questionnaires that we have received from our member groups, other women’s organisations in Wales, women experiencing domestic abuse and members of the public. A separate WWA response has been written to incorporate the information and ideas from the 12 focus groups that we facilitated across Wales.

Welsh Women’s Aid (WWA) warmly welcomes and supports this integrated strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, an approach that we have lobbied for and that the CEDAW committee required of UK governments in 1999 and 2008. WWA have been an active member of the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) campaign group and we have been supporting calls for the Home Office and the Welsh Assembly Government to develop its own integrated violence against women strategy to tackle all forms of violence – domestic abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, stalking, honour-based violence, trafficking, rape and sexual violence.

WWA believe that the Home Office has placed VAW in the right context by recognising VAW as a fundamental issue of human rights and having clearly considered the UN, CoE definition and EVAW recommendations and initiatives. The UN definition clearly shows that VAW prevents women from participating fully in society as equals and that this violence is systemic and gendered. Gender-based violence is one of the most serious inequalities facing women and girls in the UK today and there are commonalities and connections between all forms of violence. A strategic approach to provision of services that address violence against women would support the closing of the gaps through more joined-up working. A strategy would not entail duplicating good work where it already exists, but provide a framework under which existing work and resources would sit.

WWA are pleased that the consultation recognises the impact that violence has on children and how significant work still needs to be done around protecting children and prevention through healthy relationships. Young girls can be victims of violence but can also witness their mother or family member being abused. There needs to be information and resources to ensure that children have the help and support that they need.

For the full response to the Violence Against Women Consultation, please download the WWA Response here.

You can also download Focus Group Feedback