Oral Answers to Questions

Virginia Crosbie Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Virginia Crosbie (Ynys Môn) (Con)]

9. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the Government’s support for victims of sexual violence in Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart)]

I am proud that this Government have recently announced that victims of rape and sexual assault will be helped by a 50% funding boost for specialist support services. That will provide additional funding for the vital services offered at six rape support centres across Wales.

[Virginia Crosbie]

I welcome the Government’s announcement, which will go some way towards ensuring that more people receive the support and advice that they need in order to recover. I am also pleased to hear that two of the support centres that will benefit from this funding are in north Wales. In November last year, the Wales Audit Office reported that victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence were being let down by inconsistent, complex and short-term services in Wales. Does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to work towards having a Wales where no one is turned away?

[Simon Hart]

I can reassure my hon. Friend that that is the shared ambition and intention of the UK Government. May I also commend her for bringing this matter to the House’s attention? There are few more important issues facing us at the moment.