South Wales Joint VAWDASV Plan

South Wales Joint VAWDASV Plan on a Page

You can read the South Wales Joint VAWDASV Plan on a Page by clicking below

VAWG/VAWDASV includes a wide range of behaviours including domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, female genital mutilation, trafficking, and so called “honour” based violence. The stark reality is that women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse than men, which contrasts with all other types of violent crime where men are more likely to be victims. In 2024-25, VAWG offences represented 26.4% of all crimes in South Wales. Stalking and harassment accounted for a little over a third of these crimes (34.2%), and sexual offences (including rape, serious sexual offences, and other sexual offences) accounted for 11.4%.

In collaboration with partners across South Wales, we have developed a Joint VAWDASV Plan which sets out the actions we will deliver with Local and National Government, Non-Governmental Organisations, Specialist Services, Criminal Justice Agencies, Health and Educational Establishments. to protect and support victims of all forms of VAWDASV, as pledged in the South Wales Police, Crime and Justice Plan 2025-29, Priority 3: Protecting Vulnerable People and Communities, Including Online to keep vulnerable people and communities safe from exploitation and harm.

The Plan is split into four sections, known as the ‘Four Ps’:

Prepare: Prepare policing and partners to effectively respond to and reduce VAWG. Enabling policing to have the right capabilities, capacity and culture (knowledge, skills, support and insight) to tackle VAWG
Protect: Protect and support victims and communities from all forms of VAWG.
Pursue: Better understand and respond appropriately to the drivers of perpetration through a whole system approach.
Prevent: Taking a ‘Prevention First’ approach to the drivers of VAWG, offering opportunities to promote healthy relationships and positive behaviours.

As well as the published Plan on a Page, there is a comprehensive delivery plan including outcomes, impacts and action owners for each objective (aligned to the PCJP), which partners will drive forward collectively to monitor progress and evidence change.

In finalising this Plan, we consulted with victim-survivors of VAWDASV, and specialist services ensuring the most important and influential voices were heard and considered in its content and pledges.

“Today, March 30, I am launching my Joint VAWDASV Plan, a shared delivery plan developed in collaboration with partners across South Wales. Violence against women and girls remains a priority for me as your Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), and it is my hope that this Plan contributes to our ongoing mission to end violence against women and girls. The Plan sets out the actions we will deliver together to protect and support victims of all forms of VAWDASV, as pledged in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan 2025-29. From strengthening multi‑agency responses and improving victim experiences, to preventing harmful behaviours and engaging young people, this Plan represents our collective commitment to meaningful, sustained change across our region. I want to express my thanks to everyone who has collaborated with me on this Plan at every stage of development and is dedicated to the shared goal of the Safe, Just and Inclusive South Wales we all want and need.” – PCC Emma Wools

Police, Crime & Justice Plan 2025-29

What about violence against men?

We know that men and boys can also be affected by this type of abuse and are victims of violence. We will ensure that the police continue to offer the best possible service and support to male victims. However, women are known to be disproportionately affected in terms of the number and seriousness of incidents, and this is why we are focusing on violence against women and girls.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales says that nearly one in three women will have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime and nearly one in five women will have experienced some form of sexual violence.

You can read the South Wales Joint VAWDASV Plan on a Page by clicking below or here: LINK

We have developed a glossary of VAWDASV related terminology as referenced in the Plan which can be accessed here: VAWG and Safeguarding Glossary – South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

You can read the Police, Crime, and Justice Plan here: Police, Crime & Justice Plan 2025-29 – South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

You can read the Children and Young Person’s Police, Crime, and Justice Plan here: Children and Young People’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan – South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

Victims Directory

If you or someone you know has been a victim of crime support is available from both national and local support services. Information on these services and how to contact them is available via the Victims Directory.

Victims Directory