Pontypridd’s first female MP, Alex Davies-Jones, has called for a stronger voice for Wales in the upcoming Domestic Abuse Bill in UK Parliament.
Alex is one of five Labour MPs who is sitting on the Public Bill Committee for the Domestic Abuse Bill and will be seeking to add amendments to improve the legislation protecting victims of domestic abuse.
In the third sitting of the Bill Committee, Alex raised local examples with other Members.
She said:
“Since I started as a Member of Parliament, I have been inundated with casework, as Members can imagine, given what has happened in my constituency.
We have had terrible flooding, the coronavirus pandemic, and the comings and goings of a certain political adviser, but I have also had lots of casework relating to domestic abuse and domestic violence.
It has mainly been from women, with some from men, and, more often than not, it includes children in the family units, all of whom are victims who need equal protection. As it stands, the Bill does not fully address the needs of children affected by domestic abuse.”
In the fourth meeting of the Public Bill Committee, Alex raised the need for Welsh representation and inclusion in the Bill.
During the meeting, Alex said:
“One in four women in Wales experience domestic violence at the hands of a partner in their lifetime. They need a voice on this advisory board too. We have seen the ground-breaking legislation in Wales. Thanks to the Welsh Labour Government, we have the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015. It is vital that Wales has a voice and is represented.”
Labour MP Alex Davies-Jones was elected to represent the Pontypridd constituency in December, and is a member of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, the Digital, Media, Culture and Sport Select Committee and is a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Transport and Wales’ teams in Westminster.
If you’re aware of anyone across Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taff who is suffering from Domestic Abuse, there is help available:
📍 Welsh Women’s Aid: 0808 80 10 800
📍 Welsh Government Live Fear Free Helpline: 0808 80 10 800, more info here: https://gov.wales/live-fear-free
📍 ManKind Initiative with specific support for male victims: 01823 334244
📍 Galop DV with specific #LGBT+ support: 0800 999 5428
I know it can be dangerous to seek help when you are experiencing domestic abuse, so please be careful. If you’re at risk, you can call South Wales Police: Heddlu De Cymru on 999