Latest news with #VAWDASV
North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- North Wales Chronicle
The VAWG offences reported in Gwynedd & Anglesey since 2018
In a Freedom of Information request made to North Wales Police, the force said that a total of 73,826 offences have been reported in the last seven-and-a-half years across these four counties, including: Below are the year-on-year figures for each county (the figures for 2025 are correct up to July 21, 2025): Total – 10,394 Total – 23,214 Total – 21,774 Total – 18,444 Of note from these figures is that the number of offences in each country increased in 2021, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown figures. Inspector Laura Salisbury-Jones, North Wales Police's VAWG tactical delivery manager, said: 'We are committed to eradicating violence against women and girls, and we recognise that concern regarding personal safety and violence is as great as it has ever been. 'Harassment, abuse and violence are daily occurrences for women and have conditioned their lives for far too long. The impact it can have can be devastating and long-lasting, and for some, life-changing. 'We encourage victims to speak out against violence in the confidence that robust action will be taken against anyone who commits a VAWG offence. 'It is vital that women and girls have complete faith in the ability of policing to keep them safe. 'Our mission is to make North Wales the safest place in the UK to work, live and visit. Please be assured that any reports made to us will be treated seriously and with priority.' Yashiba Sanil, spokesperson for Welsh Women's Aid, added: 'These figures highlight the persistent and pervasive nature of violence of VAWDASV across North Wales. 'Fluctuations may reflect a range of factors, including changes in reporting behaviour, police recording practices, and access to support services, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 'It's also important to acknowledge that these figures likely don't cover the true extent of the problem. Many survivors are unable or unwilling to report abuse due to fear, stigma, and a lack of confidence in statutory systems. 'For marginalised women, including migrant, minoritised, and disabled survivors, these barriers are even greater. These figures are likely just the tip of the iceberg. 'Ending VAWDASV (Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence) requires a whole systems approach with early intervention, and prevention through education, community engagement and better access to support to prioritise women's safety in every community, especially in North Wales.' In February 2023, the then-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, included VAWG within the Strategic Policing Requirement, which comprises the national threats to public safety. North Wales Police then adopted a four-point plan to tackle VAWG: Reports of incidents can be made to North Wales Police by calling 101 or, in an emergency, 999. The force can also be contacted via its online webchat.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire: The VAWG offences reported since start of 2018
In a Freedom of Information request made to North Wales Police, the force said that a total of 73,826 offences have been reported in the last seven-and-a-half years across these four counties, including: Below are the year-on-year figures for each county (the figures for 2025 are correct up to July 21, 2025): Total – 10,394 Total – 23,214 Total – 21,774 Total – 18,444 Of note from these figures is that the number of offences in each country increased in 2021, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown figures. Inspector Laura Salisbury-Jones, North Wales Police's VAWG tactical delivery manager, said: 'We are committed to eradicating violence against women and girls, and we recognise that concern regarding personal safety and violence is as great as it has ever been. 'Harassment, abuse and violence are daily occurrences for women and have conditioned their lives for far too long. The impact it can have can be devastating and long-lasting, and for some, life-changing. 'We encourage victims to speak out against violence in the confidence that robust action will be taken against anyone who commits a VAWG offence. 'It is vital that women and girls have complete faith in the ability of policing to keep them safe. 'Our mission is to make North Wales the safest place in the UK to work, live and visit. Please be assured that any reports made to us will be treated seriously and with priority.' Yashiba Sanil, spokesperson for Welsh Women's Aid, added: 'These figures highlight the persistent and pervasive nature of violence of VAWDASV across North Wales. 'Fluctuations may reflect a range of factors, including changes in reporting behaviour, police recording practices, and access to support services, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 'It's also important to acknowledge that these figures likely don't cover the true extent of the problem. Many survivors are unable or unwilling to report abuse due to fear, stigma, and a lack of confidence in statutory systems. 'For marginalised women, including migrant, minoritised, and disabled survivors, these barriers are even greater. These figures are likely just the tip of the iceberg. 'Ending VAWDASV (Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence) requires a whole systems approach with early intervention, and prevention through education, community engagement and better access to support to prioritise women's safety in every community, especially in North Wales.' In February 2023, the then-Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, included VAWG within the Strategic Policing Requirement, which comprises the national threats to public safety. North Wales Police then adopted a four-point plan to tackle VAWG: Reports of incidents can be made to North Wales Police by calling 101 or, in an emergency, 999. The force can also be contacted via its online webchat.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh Government announces £2m boost for abuse survivor support services
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.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Video: Fire destroys agricultural vehicle near Carmarthen
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.'
