Aberconwy AM, Janet Finch-Saunders, has called on the Welsh Government to ensure that legislation which aims to prevent domestic abuse, sexual violence and violence against women is implemented in a meaningful and productive way.

The Member, who represents the Welsh Conservatives on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee in the National Assembly for Wales, has highlighted concerns in relation to the roll-out of guidance in the education system, as well as data collection, which are noted in the committee’s recent report.

Janet said:

“This legislation has the potential to make a life-saving difference to vulnerable women in Wales, yet progress appears slow so far and it is vital that the Welsh Government takes their duties seriously in regards to rolling this out.

“Evidence taken by the Committee identified a real lack of uniformity across Wales in terms of the implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015.

“I am concerned that without providing clear direction for data collection and monitoring, the Welsh Government run the risk of being unable to meet their own commitments in terms of delivering change through education.

“Data collection is essential to monitoring progress, and I am disappointed that the Welsh Government did not mention data collection in their response to this report, and have called on them to ensure that regular and effective data collection is incorporated as an integral part of their commitment to require local authorities to begin reporting in September 2017.

“Further, although the deadline is May 2018, I understand that only one Local Authority to date [Cardiff] has published their updated strategy aimed at ending violence against women, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence, in line with this Act.”

ENDS