Written question WQ91231
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
Has the Minister had discussions with local authorities regarding ensuring that licensing committees have due regard to spiking in venues?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
The act of spiking is an insidious crime, it removes a person’s dignity, right and freedom. It is a prime example of misuse of power and control. We understand the genuine concern of women and young girls around their safety, particularly in the night-time economy setting.
We have strengthened our Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Strategy to include a focus on gender-based harassment in all public spaces, in order to make Wales the safest place in Europe to be a woman.
While I have not had any specific engagement recently about spiking, I am in frequent contact with partners in relation to issues of abuse, including through the VAWDASV National Partnership Board.
I am also aware that in July 2022 the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, together with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, published a position statement on spiking.”
Through our Live Fear Free campaigns we will continue to raise awareness of harassment, abuse and violence against women in all aspects of life including the street and other public places.