Authorities in the mid and west Wales region are seeking input into their new strategy on tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Survivors of violence and abuse, families and friends, individuals or organisations working with survivors or perpetrators, or anyone with views in general, are being encouraged to have their voices heard as the development of the strategy reaches its final stage.
Councillor Catherine Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Social Services, said, “Ensuring we get this strategy on tackling violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence right is a key priority of the mid and west Wales region. We encourage anyone from Ceredigion and beyond with views or experience to have their say.”
The enactment of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 requires public sector bodies to work together to improve the outcomes for individuals and their families who are subjected to abuse.
Sue Darnbrook, Ceredigion County Council Corporate Director and Domestic Violence Champion said, “Ceredigion County Council has a statutory requirement to jointly prepare, publish and implement a Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy. As a Council we are fully engaged with our mid and west Wales partners in developing a regional strategy which is currently available in a draft format for consultation. There is recognition of the importance of services working together in a consistent and cohesive way to improve the outcomes for individuals and their families subjected to violence against women, domestic abuse or sexual violence. This strategy and accompanying Delivery Plan will set out the actions that will enable the region to make the necessary improvements to support victims and survivors.”
Local authorities and health boards in the region have drafted their first joint strategy to outline how they will support victims and survivors, tackle perpetrators, ensure professionals have the tools and knowledge to act and increase awareness of the issues.
As Councillor Alun Williams, Cabinet Member, explains, “The strategy also aims to help children and young people to understand inequality in relationships and know that abusive behaviour is always wrong.”
The draft strategy has been published for consultation on Carmarthenshire County Council’s website, www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales. People have until June 28 to share their views about the strategy and the difference it could make.
04/05/2018