Jane Dodds: More support needed to end violence against women and girls

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader and Member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales used her first question to the First Minister to demand action on ending violence against women and girls.

Jane Dodds MS said: “Welsh Womens Aid have highlighted that at least 90% of services are incurring additional costs due the circumstances caused by COVID-19.

“There’s been a significant increase in the need for refuge places, in the need for services, and better, more targeted responses to those women and children who are coming forward after these lockdown periods.

“I welcome the 8% uplift in funding from the Welsh Government but more must be done to ensure that women everywhere are able to access the support they need and that rural communities, in particular, are not left behind.

“Women who are fleeing domestic violence, especially from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities must be given the refuge, support and services they desperately need to move on and rebuild their lives.

“The Government must finally recognise that our services are being stretched and fund them accordingly.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats continue to call on the Welsh Government to safeguard funding for specialist services for victims of violence to adequately meet anticipated demand during and after the pandemic.”