Please see the following communication from Rhian Bowen-Davies, National Adviser for Violence against Women, other forms of Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
On the 28th September I started in my role as National Adviser for Violence against Women, Gender-Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence – the first role of its kind in the UK.
My role is a Statutory Adviser role, independent of Welsh Government and Welsh Ministers, with the purpose of bringing an informed, expert and independent perspective on work being taken forward and to shape and inform policy and legislative developments.
In my role I will advise, assist and support Welsh Ministers to deliver the purpose of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015.
This ground breaking legislation provides a strategic focus to improve the arrangements for the prevention, protection and support for individuals across Wales affected by such violence and abuse. The Act applies to all individuals and includes all forms of Violence against Women; Sexual Violence, Domestic Abuse, Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation.
The Act aims to improve the responses of Public Bodies to all forms of Violence against Women and Gender Based Violence and it is imperative therefore that I work with, and alongside public bodies, the specialist support and Voluntary Sector and Survivors to input into strategic priorities, policy and services.
In line with the provisions of the Act I am now developing my Annual Plan which will outline how I propose to exercise the functions of the role, my priorities, objectives and activities in 2016-17.
I am inviting your thoughts and views on what my priorities and focus of work should be for the coming year. I would like to know what is important to you in order to shape and inform my First Annual Plan. Share your views on how we can improve protection, prevention and support for individuals experiencing any form of Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse in Wales.
Please email your thoughts to me at [email protected] by Friday 12th December.
