NSPCC issues statement on new VAWDASV national strategy

The NSPCC has issued the following statement in light of the new Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) draft national strategy:

An NSPCC Cymru/Wales spokesperson said: “NSPCC Cymru/Wales is pleased to see the importance placed on early intervention and prevention within a public health approach, through the new Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence draft national strategy. Though we acknowledge that the Act clarifies and strategy reiterates ‘that children can be subject to VAWDASV’ we are disappointed to see that only Objective 2 in the six national objectives mention children and young people explicitly. We have continuously highlighted our concern that the omission of children in the other objectives and particularly Objective 6 has led to their voices and needs being missing from regional strategies, which in turn impacted on patchy service provision for children and young people.

“The planned Ministerial-led National Partnership Board is welcome, particularly as it will oversee the work of the regional partnership boards, who are responsible for the regional strategies we have expressed concern about. Yet, we are disappointed there is no subject-specific sub-group focused on children and young people, particularly given objective 4 – ‘make early intervention and prevention a priority.’

“Finally, we welcome the important section on intersectionality and the recognition of the growing impact intersecting oppressions can have on a survivor, which includes and recognises children’s needs. This must reflect throughout the strategy, and it is vital that any work to eradicate VAWDASV must centre children and young people.”