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10th anniversary of landmark legislation marked with funding uplift
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced over £2 million in additional funding to support survivors of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, made the announcement on Thursday (May 1) during the official opening of Rothbury House in Newport—a new support centre run by New Pathways, which offers counselling and support for survivors of sexual violence. The facility, a former nursing home, has been redeveloped with Welsh Government backing. Additional funding provided in March helped enhance security measures to ensure a safe environment for service users.
The new funding package includes £1.28 million to expand support and advice services across Wales and £900,000 to improve buildings, strengthen security, and purchase essential equipment for organisations helping survivors.
The announcement marks the 10th anniversary of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) (Wales) Act 2015, which came into force on April 29, 2015.
Deputy Chief Executive of New Pathways, Mike Wilkinson, said: 'Rothbury House will offer a wide range of support services for people who have experienced sexual violence, including Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), wellbeing support, and specialist counselling. We also have staff trained to support children and young people, alongside our professional training programmes and Counselling College.'
During her visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the facility and met with staff to see how the upgraded environment is helping enhance care for survivors.
Jane Hutt said:
'Partnerships like the one we have with New Pathways are vital to our mission of tackling violence against women and girls. This investment strengthens services across Wales, ensuring that safe, specialist spaces are available for those beginning their recovery journey.
'There is no place for harassment, abuse or violence in our society. Ten years on from our landmark legislation, we remain committed to making Wales the safest place to be a woman or a girl. We will continue working with specialist organisations, the police and the wider public sector to prevent abuse, hold perpetrators accountable and support victims.'
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