Pwyllgor Cymunedau, Cydraddoldeb a Llywodraeth Leol Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee

Mr Mark Brooks

Bae Caerdydd / Cardiff Bay  Caerdydd / Cardiff CF99 1NA 02 October  2014

Dear Mark,

Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill

Thank you for attending the Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee meeting on 1 October, to give evidence on the Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill.

During the session you agreed to address any outstanding questions that we did not get an opportunity to put to you within the time available. The Committee would be interested to hear from you on the following:

Definitions

– Can you expand on your concerns about the definitions used in the Bill?

– Is there potential for confusion over the definitions used between different devolved and non-devolved agencies?

– Is ‘gender-based violence’ an appropriate definition to use in the Bill?

Financial implications

– Is there a danger that the requirements of the Bill could divert resources away from frontline services?

– Are you concerned that the Bill may lead to an increase in demand for services without increased funding to deliver them, and is there a need to commission services in a different way to ensure value for money?

During the meeting you also agreed to provide further information on whether there is a link between the physical punishment of children and domestic abuse in general, in the context of education and how children and young people are prepared for citizenship.

It would be helpful to hear from you as soon as possible, and by Friday 17 October at the latest, to enable us to take account of the information when preparing our Stage 1 report.

 Best Wishes

Christine Chapman AC / AM

Cadeirydd / Chair