A Theory of Change for the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy and Blueprint

Skills for Justice, in partnership with Swansea University, was commissioned by the Welsh Government to develop this report. The research aimed to strengthen understanding of how national policy, the Blueprint action plan and multi-agency activity contribute to outcomes for people affected by VAWDASV in Wales.

The 6 stages of this research

1. Inception and project planning.
2. Desk-based evidence review and secondary data analysis.
3. Primary research, including stakeholder workshops and survivor engagement panels.
4. Thematic analysis of qualitative evidence.
5. Validation workshops and Advisory Group review.
6. Reporting and development of the final Theory of Change.

The findings are organised around the Strategy’s 3 strategic pillars of:

• prevent
• protect
• support

The report presents a Theory of Change that identifies the assumptions, mechanisms and pathways needed to achieve long-term change. These are presented alongside a series of actionable recommendations to strengthen policy, practice and multi-agency working across Wales.