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.
“We all have a role in not only ending VAWDASV but also in ensuring that the knowledge, skills and understanding are there for survivors. Too often, we ask survivors to change their behaviours. If we are to be serious about the epidemic of violence against women and girls, we need to first acknowledge that we are living in a world with it present. We must ensure that each and every survivor is supported in a way that acknowledges their entire lived experience, from providing mental health support to deal with the consequences of violence, to adapting to new forms of harm. It is time for organisations and sectors outside of specialist support services, step up.”
Stephanie Grimshaw, Head of Public Affairs and Communications
“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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