Introduction

The human and emotional costs of Violence in domestic and public spheres cannot be underestimated.

Every year, nearly 2 million people in the UK suffer domestic abuse (1.3 million women and 600,000 men)
More than 100,000 people in the UK are at high risk of being murdered or seriously injured by domestic abuse
Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse. 95% of those going to MARAC or IDVA are women
7 women a month are killed by a current or former partner in England or Wales
130,000 children live in homes where there is high risk domestic abuse
62% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed in addition to witnessing the abuse of others
On average, victims at high risk of serious harm or murder, live with abuse 2-3 years before getting help
85% of victims sought help 5 times on average from professionals the year before they got effective help to stop the domestic abuse
Police data from 43 police forces in Britain reveal that domestic homicides area at a 5 year high
Analysis of recent data from the Office of National Statistics showed that three quarters of victims are women

This is Neath Port Talbot County Borough Councils second ‘Healthy Relationships for Stronger Communities’ strategy, implementing the Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015. The first strategy was published in 2017. Since this time, various changes have been made and this progress is highlighted in this document.

As with our original strategy, this is an overarching plan which outlines the priority areas and strategic direction around healthy relationships and the implementation of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 within Neath Port Talbot. It has been developed with the involvement of partner agencies and survivors. It aims to tackle all forms of violence in relationships, responding to the growing number of referrals being received by specialist providers; reducing harm and
improving the lives of those affected.

The term “Violence Against Women” which is used nationally and in this strategy refers to the range of crime types which are predominantly, but not exclusively, experienced by women and girls. Such gender-based violence includes domestic abuse,rape and sexual violence, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, crimes committed in the name of ‘honour’, trafficking, sexual exploitation, including commercially through the sex industry, and sexual harassment in the workplace and public.

Having a co-ordinated approach to addressing these issues does not mean this neglects abuse directed towards men and boys or other groups and individuals who experience these forms of violence, or neglects to deal with violence perpetrated by women, where this occurs.

Those with the power to transform the cultures that perpetuate violence must work together. This strategy encourages partners to further work together to achieve positive outcomes for all victims of VAWDASV.