YOUR AM WRITES: Islwyn AM, Gwyn Price (From South Wales Argus)

YOUR AM WRITES: Islwyn AM, Gwyn Price

4:38pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Gwyn Price AM

Violence which damages lives

VIOLENCE against women is a blight on our communities and affects women from all parts of society, regardless of their socio- economic or cultural background.

It is not only the dreadful effects it has on those who directly experience the violence, but the effects it has on individuals around them specifically their children.

It is obvious that the damage that constant exposure to such appalling scenes will have on these children will continue to affect them well into their adult lives.

Domestic violence is by far the most common form of violence against women.

I am aware that men also suffer from domestic violence but around 90 per cent of victims are women and an average of two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.

The Welsh Government is determined to address the issue and the damage it does to the victims and our society.

They are introducing the first-ever legislation to move us ever closer to the aim of ending violence against women in Wales.

In order to ensure that the legislation works for women they are carrying out a rigorous consultation process.

I hope that stakeholders and individuals take part in this consultation and play their part in making this legislation the best it can be.

I regularly speak to constituents about matters of community safety and they increasingly share with me their fears about the damage falling police numbers and reductions in the opening hours of police stations are doing to communities.

I joined the new Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston at the Markham residents' meeting recently and took the opportunity to impress on him the importance of Blackwood police station.

Constituents are particularly concerned after the station began to shut overnight.

I was pleased to be able to get the news that the police station is safe.

* Like you all, I was very concerned to hear of the bus accident involving children from Abercarn school and I am grateful the incident ended in only minor injuries.

I would like to pay tribute to all involved for the speedy action aken to ensure the children's safely. I am glad to see the bus company have found a safer route to travel in future.

* Finally. I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Stan Jenkins, Risca East, who died last month Stan, you were a comrade and a friend. I will miss you.