Written question WQ82892

The Welsh Government funds Victim Support Cymru via the Equality and Inclusion Programme 2017-2022 to run the National Hate Crime Report and Support Centre. The Centre offers provision of free and independent support and advocacy to all hate crime victims, available 24 hours, 7 days a week. This includes tailored emotional support, signposting, face to face meetings, advocacy and liaison with Police, personal safety advice, practical solutions, and restorative justice support.

Over £5.2m has been provided to Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Regions and the VAWDASV Specialist sector to continue to deliver vital services and to deal with increasing demand from victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

During 2020/2021, £423,714 was provided to VAWDASV regions to enhance the 'remote court' hearing facilities across Wales. The grant enabled regions to purchase equipment that will see specialist VAWDASV facilities adapted to allow victims to present secure evidence safely by video link. Enabling victims to present evidence by video link hosted by a specialist provider will provide a secure and safe means of reducing witness attrition. The opening of the 13 adapted sites will be staggered throughout the summer of 2021.

Welsh Government will continue to work in partnership with specialist services to raise awareness of the inequality and safety issues faced by women and girls, and to end all forms of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, and will continue to work with Welsh Police forces, Police and Crime commissioners, Public safety boards and the Crown Prosecution, instilling confidence in victims to report and to hold those who abuse, to account.

We would urge anyone experiencing any form of violence or abuse to seek out the help and support which is available across Wales. The Live Fear Free helpline is a free, 24/7 service for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence and those close to them, including family, friends and colleagues.

With the support of Welsh police forces, we have funded a dedicated all-Wales Rural and Wildlife Crime Coordinator role for the next 12 months.

This initiative is designed to make a step change to the coordination, effectiveness and multi-agency response to rural and wildlife crime work in our rural communities across Wales. The coordinator will also represent Wales strategically in respect of UK initiatives as well as various UK forums and priority delivery group meetings.