Welsh Women’s Aid’s yearly State of the Sector report is here! But it’s different…
This year, we have shifted the focus from State of the Sector to State of the System. Survivors do not experience violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV) in isolation, it is shaped by every system that they access, or in some cases, are unable to.
This report shines a light on the systematic barriers survivors and specialist services face across Wales when accessing healthcare, housing, financial support, education and even online spaces. Too often, these systems are not designed with survivors in mind, leaving many to navigate complex, unsafe and under-resourced sources of help.
Ending VAWDASV requires a whole systems approach which needs much more than properly funding specialist services. It demands understanding and trauma-informed processes that adapt to need and puts survivors first.
“This report exposes systemic barriers survivors face when seeking support, its recomendations are not merely suggestions but practical, achievable changes. Violence against women domestic abuse & sexual violence is neither acceptable, nor inevitable but to achieve lasting change we must join the dots and build bridges not barriers. By joining up our efforts, investing in the right support, the right training, the right systems and the right connections we can build a future where survivors are never left without options.”
Sara Kirkpatrick, CEO, Welsh Women’s Aid
“Hugely grateful to Welsh Women’s Aid for this report and the approach to considering the whole system response to survivors. In Wales we have had considered commitment both before and since the VAWDASV Act, but as this report shows there is so much more to be done. I echo the call to create a Wales that is built around survivors’ lives, ending barriers and providing safety and security as is their right.”
Johanna Robinson, National Adviser for Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)
If you or anyone you know needs support, help is available to you now. The Live Fear Free Helpline can provide confidential advice or support around domestic abuse, sexual violence or violence against women. It is available 24/7, 7 days a week. Call 0808 80 10 800, text 07860077333 or email [email protected]. You can also access the Live Fear Free Helpline online chat by heading to: https://www.gov.wales/live-fear-free/contact-live-fear-free.
Read our report here: State of the System 2026
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