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The strategy is a key part of the council’s implementation of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 and involves a comprehensive partnership approach to preventing and responding to all forms of Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse, and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV).

The joint strategy, prepared by the Council and Swansea Bay University Health Board, involves partners from the third sector, private sector and others, with involvement from survivors of domestic abuse to help shape the work. The strategy is led by Neath Port Talbot Council, overseen by its VAWDASV Leadership Group and was presented to members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet on 21/05/25 for monitoring.

In England and Wales, statistics suggest one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic abuse at some stage in their life – but the incidence could be higher due to underreporting.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, Cllr Alun Llewelyn said: “This council remains committed to building safer, more resilient communities and we’re pleased this annual report suggests good progress is being made in this vital area. I want to thank all our partners as this issue is so complex only a joint approach will be successful.”

The Annual Report lists progress made on the following seven key objectives:

Training

(Highlights) A total of 92% of NPT Council staff have now received Group 1 VAWDASV training helping them spot signs of abuse and know where to signpost people for help. Workplace Champions training is also delivered regionally alongside Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB) and specialist partners. NPT Council has 14 champions so far, SBUHB trained 42 champions in 2023/24.

Early Intervention & Prevention

An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) now works at Morriston Hospital’s A&E Dept, New Pathways specialist sexual violence support and counselling services are in place across NPT and hundreds of referrals have been made to the specialist domestic violence abuse programme, known as IRISi.

Children and Young People

Camau Consultancy has delivered healthy relationship content to local secondary schools including issues around consent and 1,501 Year 6 pupils from 52 primary schools received a healthy relationships workshop at the annual Crucial Crew event. Stori (formerly Hafan Cymru) delivered Healthy Relationships education to 790 pupils and 50 teachers across NPT.

Communications and Engagement

The annual White Ribbon campaign promotes local and national campaigns including Clare’s Law, Bright Sky and Respect. Community events have been held across NPT providing regular opportunities to promote VAWDASV awareness. The regional Heads Up Campaign across the hair and beauty industry upskills staff in identifying domestic abuse and providing confidence in handling sensitive conversations.

Courts and Criminal Justice

The NPT IDVA service who specialise in supporting victims at highest risk continues working South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner to improve outcomes for victims and to reduce numbers of repeat victims. The service also works with the police and court services to improve communication and support for victims.

Perpetrator Programme Development

Calan DVS (one of the largest domestic abuse charities in Wales) delivered the Inspiring Families Programme to 27 families across NPT. Thrive Women’s Aid is working with low-level perpetrators implementing the CLEAR programme (an early intervention initiative), part of the Change That Lasts model (this aims to put the survivor at the heart of the response). The programme works with the whole family, ensuring safety of victims and children while raising awareness of healthy relationships.

Accessible Support Services

Regular meetings with housing providers and specialist providers continue with the VAWDASV strategic lead and IDVA service manager. Thrive’s EDGE project continues offering help to marginalised women facing barriers to support.

Link to the report: PowerPoint Presentation