With additional funds planned for next year, what level of the available funding will be prioritised for specialist support for children and young people affected by violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence?
The Welsh Government funds Hafan Cymru to deliver ‘Spectrum’, a schools-based project delivering healthy relationship awareness sessions to teachers and pupils. £415,514 has been made available for next year, a 4% increase from last year making an 8% increase in last 2 financial years.
Between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2020; 154,056 children and young people have been educated about healthy relationships through the Spectrum project.
The impact of Covid-19 is likely to be felt by the sector for at least a further 18-24 months. The additional £1.575m funding awarded for 2021–22 will enable violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual organisations to provide further support to service providers to continue vital services and to deal with the already increasing demand. Regional partnerships commission services based on identified need in their areas.