March 05, 2026 - 223 views
Support for victims of domestic abuse and violence against women is being highlighted across North Wales as leaders mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for North Wales says it is renewing its commitment to improving access to justice and strengthening support services for women and girls throughout the region.
This year’s theme – “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls” – focuses on removing barriers to justice and tackling violence and discrimination faced by women worldwide.
The issue remains a major concern. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show an estimated 2.2 million women aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025. In the same period, more than 70 per cent of domestic abuse-related offences recorded by police involved female victims, while almost seven in ten victims of domestic homicide were women.
In North Wales, the OPCC funds a number of specialist services to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. These include Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and support delivered by the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit, known as DASU.
The organisation works across the region providing confidential advice, safety planning and emotional support to people experiencing domestic abuse.
Hannah Jones, partnerships and funding officer at the OPCC, said supporting these services was vital for protecting vulnerable people.
“I’m proud to support the local services that help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.
“Knowing that our work helps provide specialist support, keeps people safe and empowers people to rebuild their lives is incredibly meaningful.”
Amanda Hanson, head of commissioning at the OPCC, said the office works closely with DASU to make sure victims receive the same level of support wherever they live in North Wales.
“We agree service standards, referral pathways and workforce expectations so victims receive consistent, trauma-informed support,” she said. “Listening to women’s voices when designing services leads to better outcomes.”
Survivors say the help they received has been life-changing.
One woman who accessed the service said the support helped her escape an abusive relationship.
“Without the funding from the OPCC I don’t know what would have happened to me,” she said. “I’m a survivor thanks to the help I received and I’m now living my life again free from abuse.”
Another added that counselling arranged through the service helped her recover from trauma.
“They supported me through the most stressful and frightening time of my life and I will always be grateful.”
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said International Women’s Day was an important moment to underline the work being done to protect women and girls.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, ensuring women and girls are safe in our communities is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan,” he said.
“Violence against women and girls has no place in our society. Through our work we are investing in specialist services that provide vital support to victims and survivors and help them rebuild their lives.”
He added that the OPCC would continue working with partners across the region to ensure women and girls feel safe, are listened to and can access the help and justice they deserve.
Across the UK and internationally, International Women’s Day events aim to highlight both the progress made and the work still needed to achieve equality and safety for women and girls. In North Wales, police leaders say continued investment in support services will remain central to that effort.
