Building effective responses: review of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence services

Although there is a lack of robust data, estimates show that domestic abuse affects 11% of women and 5% of men each year in Wales. Sexual violence affects 3.2% of women and 0.7% of men. 3.1% of older people are abused or neglected by carers.

Conclusions and recommendations (Selected)

Violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence are entrenched, widespread and complex problems. The extent, nature and consequences have only recently begun to be widely recognised.

Recommendation 9: Protective responses to female genital mutilation (FGM) should be delivered in or linked with health settings.

Recommendation 18: Generalist services such as health, education and the police have a key role to play in identifying victims of violence and abuse, in providing early intervention for those at low and medium risk and in referring on to relevant specialist services.