Jane Hutt, Minister for Social Justice
I am pleased to announce the publication of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) - Annual Progress Report 2021-22. This report covers the period 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022. It is a requirement of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 that Welsh Ministers must publish a report highlighting progress made in each financial year.
Last year, the annual progress report focused on the Welsh Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, recognising the crucial support offered by the VAWDASV sector and specialist services which provided a lifeline for victims and survivors during such a challenging time. Whilst the report for 2021-22 also a makes reference to the unprecedented times we saw ourselves in during the pandemic, there has also been significant progress made against the objectives set out in the VAWDASV national strategy for 2016-21. In addition, the report highlights the development work and consultation undertaken prior to the 2022-26 national strategy being published earlier this year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our excellent network of specialist organisations and services in Wales that work so hard to support victims and survivors of gender-based violence and abuse as well as supporting those who are concerned about their behaviour or who perpetrate abuse to make positive changes. I have always been clear about our ambition to end violence against women and girls, and our ambition to make Wales the safest place in Europe to be a woman. We will continue to fight against all forms of VAWDASV.
Wales will not be a bystander to abuse.
The Annual Progress Report 2020-2021 can be accessed here.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.