The assembly of government in Wales is working to implement a new strategy to help combat all forms of violence against women. £1m has been allocated to the “Right to be Safe” campaign in addition to its already existing £4.4m. The new approach recognizes abuse as a form of gender inequality and is geared towards challenging current attitudes, and creating awareness throughout Wales and the UK.

Shockingly, one woman is killed by a relative or partner every month, according to Violence Against Women in Wales. Furthermore, the Home Office reports that “around 10,000 women in England and Wales are sexually assaulted and 2,000 are raped every week” [1]. From these alarming statistics, it is clear that something must be changed in regard to how the topics of women and violence are perceived and responded to.

The strategy is designed to be carried out over the next six years and will be working with local government, agencies, and the UK government to help improve conditions and responses to the victims of abuse. Additionally, understanding violence as an inequality for women is important in the process of preventing it. “Violence against women constitutes a serious violation of the human rights of women and girls and is a major obstacle to the achievement of equality between women and men” [2].

A national training strategy for professionals is also a target for the campaign to educate working individuals in all sectors to recognize the signs of violence and to teach them how to properly deal with such a sensitive issue.

Male victims of domestic abuse are also included in the campaign, creating awareness and support services for their specific needs.

To read more about the BBC article, please click on the following link http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/8585574.stm

[1]. Home Office. “£1m extra to fight domestic abuse”. BBC News. (March 25,2010).

[2]. Social Justice Minister Carl Sargeant. “£1m extra to fight domestic abuse”. BBC News. (March        25, 2010).