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The justice system in
Wales – does it work
for women?
Plaid Cymru has consistently called for devolution
of the justice system for years, and continues to
do so. What are the main reasons for this? Our
Treasurer, Sioned James, has trained as a
barrister, and outlines the main arguments here.
The subject of justice doesn’t seem to enter the general public psyche in the same way
as matters such as the education system or the health system, despite its deep flaws.
Calls to have decisions on justice to be made in Wales are becoming louder.
Justice in Wales is particularly rough to BAME people, disabled people and LGBT people,
and space should be made to unravel the state of the current system, fraught with
inequality. Here are 3 ways in which the justice system is letting women down and what
Plaid Cymru can do to address them.
1.
Justice for survivors
In the year ending March 2019, there were 58,657 allegations of rape, yet there were only
1,925 rape convictions. Since 2016, the number of cases prosecuted by the CPS has fallen
by 52 per cent. This is despite a 43 per cent increase in the number of rape allegations
made to the police.
More than a quarter of women in Wales have suffered domestic abuse on more than
one occasion, including physical, sexual and psychological violence. From the Crown
Prosecution Service and the way that they take on cases, to the function of the courts
which causes delays and for litigants to have to represent themselves, to the support
and services available to victims and survivors. The status quo is not fit for purpose.
There are things that Plaid Cymru can do at Westminster. We can call for a Domestic
Abusers Register. We can ensure that recent legislation and guidance on stalking is
implemented properly across Wales so that those who suffer from stalking can feel
comfortable in reporting their concerns, that these will be recorded, and action taken.
By commissioning victim support services, emotional and practical help can be offered
to victims of domestic abuse to help them recover from their experience, and to support
them to achieve the best possible outcome through the criminal justice system.
Finally, under the current powers model, Plaid Cymru in the Senedd push for counselling
services to be available and well-funded as victims of rape can suffer from cooccurring
issues relating to mental health and drug and alcohol abuse, especially due to
self-medication.
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