Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has committed to working with schools across Gower to tackle Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.
April 2017 marks the second anniversary of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act. Rebecca Evans said: “This ground breaking Act is already making an impact in our efforts to end violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Wales. "To enable us prevent violence and abuse in the future, we have to work to ensure that children understand what constitutes a healthy relationship, and know how to recognise the symptoms of an unhealthy relationship.” Mrs Evans has written to all primary and secondary schools in Gower, highlighting the Welsh Government’s Whole Education Approach Good Practice Guide, produced by Welsh Women’s Aid. Mrs Evans said: “I am committed to working with all schools in Gower to help ensure that children understand what a healthy relationship is. This is imperative as children are often the silent victims of domestic abuse, which they may witness in the home or even experience first-hand from a boyfriend or girlfriend. "I trust the schools in Gower will find the Welsh Government’s resource to be a useful tool." Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, is continuing to encourage constituents to embrace the opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements made by women in Gower through Chware Teg’s Womenspire Awards. Chwarae Teg, is Wales’ leading gender equality charity, and has been working for nearly a quarter of a century on promoting the role of women in the workplace.
Rebecca Evans said: “There is still time to get your nominations in for inspirational women in Gower for these exciting awards, as the deadline has been extended until 11th May.” "These awards celebrate the achievements of inspirational women, and the contribution of organisations who are helping create a Wales where women achieve, prosper, and fulfil their potential. I would love to see women and employers across Gower recognised amongst the nominees and winners. “Do you know of inspiring women who are being bold and pioneering positive change? If so, nominate them! "These awards are particularly exciting because they seek to celebrate women in all walks of life doing extraordinary things. For example, they are looking for women who are community activists, working in the rural economy, rising stars in their field, and pioneers in the field of science, technology, engineering or maths. "The awards will also recognise employers in the private, public, and third sectors who are making a difference for women in Wales." Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire Awards showcases the remarkable accomplishments of women across Wales and will inspire future generations. Nominations are sought by and on behalf of women at all stages, and across all walks of life, who are proud of what they are achieving – whether it’s in their private or professional lives or in the wider community. The Womenspire Awards 2017 are being held on June 21st 2017 in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. This years’ categories include, among others: Rising Star Community Activist of the Year STEM Pioneer Woman in the Rural Economy Woman in Enterprise Man of the Year Employer of the Year Nominations can be made here: https://www.cteg.org.uk/womenspire17/categories/ Mrs Evans added: “The huge contributions made by women across Wales, even in 2017, can sometimes go unnoticed, and these awards are a positive way of celebrating the achievements of Welsh women. "It is fitting that we take every opportunity to recognise the talent, commitment and success of women in our society to inspire the next generation to achieve their potential and work towards gender equality across all sectors. I am pleased to inform that the deadline for entries has been extended to 11th May, which I hope will encourage as many nominations as possible across the categories" Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, will be holding an advice surgery on Friday April 21st, between 10am – 11am, at her constituency office – 9 Pontarddulais Road, Gorseinon.
If you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch with her office by either ringing 01792 899 081 or emailing [email protected] Gower Assembly Member, Rebecca Evans, has met with Welsh Women’s Aid on the second anniversary of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015.
Mrs Evans said: “It is estimated that around 3 million women across the UK experience rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, stalking, sexual exploitation, trafficking and other forms of violence every year. This is the equivalent to the population of Wales. "I am pleased that the Welsh Government led the way by introducing legislation to improve prevention, protection and support for women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, and I am pleased that the Welsh Government is making good progress on its implementation.” Welsh Women’s Aid is a national charity which works to prevent domestic abuse and all forms of violence against women, and ensure high-quality services for survivors that are needs-led, gender responsive and holistic. They told Mrs Evans of some of the achievements that have been made since the passing of the Act. These include, the National Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2016-2021, the publishing of the Whole-Education Approach Good Practice Guidance, the developing of the “Ask and Act” Framework which aims to require all professionals to ask clients if they are being abused and act as appropriate, and the appointment of a National Advisor. Mrs Evans said: “To enable us prevent violence and abuse in the future, we have to work to ensure that children understand what constitutes a healthy relationship, and know how to recognise the symptoms of an unhealthy relationship. "The Welsh Government has published a Whole Education Approach Good Practice Guide, produced by Welsh Women’s Aid, and awareness raising guidance for school governors. I am committed to working with the schools in Gower to help children understand what a healthy relationship is. This is imperative as children are often the silent victims of domestic abuse, which they may witness in the home or even experience first-hand from a boyfriend or girlfriend.” The Welsh Government has also taken significant steps to reduce the incidence, and to protect victims, of Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence. Working with, and listening to, survivors is crucial and it is their experiences which are shaping the Welsh Governments policy and services. |
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