What definition of a woman is the Welsh Government using when it plans to tackle violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence?
As set out in my response to WQ99121 the Welsh Government does not set a single definition of "female" and "male", instead using the relevant definitions set out in legislation or policy.
For the purposes of section 2 of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015, “violence against women and girls” (“trais yn erbyn menywod a merched”) means gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence where the victim is female.
Section 24(1) of the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act 2015 sets out:
“abuse” (“cam-drin”) means physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse;
“domestic abuse” (“cam-drin domestig”) means abuse where the victim of it is or has been associated with the abuser;
“gender-based violence” (“trais ar sail rhywedd”) means—
(a) violence, threats of violence or harassment arising directly or indirectly from values, beliefs or customs relating to gender or sexual orientation;
(b) female genital mutilation;
(c) forcing a person (whether by physical force or coercion by threats or other psychological means) to enter into a religious or civil ceremony of marriage (whether or not legally binding);
“sexual violence” (“trais rhywiol”) means sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, or threats of violence of a sexual nature.