We are currently witnessing epidemic levels of gender-based violence in Wales; 26,669 survivors were referred to local specialist services in the last year, a 19% increase on the year before.
Violence against women must be taken seriously. When there is widespread casualisation of misogyny in politics, it sets the tone for how the wider population regards the severity of these incidents and undermines the status and position of women and girls in our society.
Parliament and parties across the political spectrum, must make it clear that harassment, abuse, and violence are unacceptable, and must put an end to the antiquated systems and procedures that perpetuate this.