Written question WQ100292

We are committed to ending violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence. Women and girls should be able to live free from violence.

The Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) (Wales) Act 2015 provides a statutory framework for preventing abuse, protecting victims and survivors, and improving support services across Wales.

Tackling street harassment is an important part of the national VAWDASV strategy prepared under this Act. A dedicated gender-based harassment in all public spaces workstream is in place. Co-chaired between Public Health Wales and Safer Wales, the workstream focuses on tackling harassment and intimidation experienced by women and girls in streets, public transport and community settings. The workstream brings together partners to identify practical action, challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, and promote cultural change to help create safer public spaces across Wales.

Within our first 100 days, we have commenced and concluded a rapid statutory review of the current VAWDASV National Strategy. The review involved survivors, specialist services, delivery partners and the National Adviser. The findings of the review will inform the development of a new national strategy work working across all areas of government through a whole-system, prevention led and society-wide approach.