Uncharted Territory Review

Hannah Cassidy

The ACE Support Hub Cymru is pleased to share with you the Uncharted Territory Review.

n 2013, The Welsh Strategic Migration Partnership (WSMP), with funding from the Home Office and support from Welsh Government, commissioned research into violence against migrant, refugee and asylum seeking women and girls in Wales. This research looked at the WSMP’s identification of gender-based violence as a serious issue for women and girls within asylum seeking, refugee and migrant communities, further complicated through barriers to accessing support and protection.

This timely new review led by the ACE Support Hub, provides an update on the recommendations of the original report but also reflects on the progress made in the light of the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has found that whilst gaps remain, there has been some real progress made in terms of policy legislation in both Wales and the wider UK. Report author Amira Assami said:

“The Uncharted Territory report remains the only research in Wales that explored violence against migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women and girls. However, despite significant developments in policy and legislation by both the UK and Welsh Governments since 2013, there is still work that needs to be done. This review explored further the realities facing migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women and girls, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic which exacerbated their vulnerabilities. I am optimistic that the outcome of the current review will better inform the UK and Welsh policy and practise and act as a stepping stone for further research to prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in all communities and enhance the support services available for this group”

The report will help inform the development of the new Welsh Government Strategy on Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence as well as the commitment for Wales to become a Nation of Sanctuary. Should you have any questions about this review or the wider work of the ACE Support Hub Cymru then please contact us at ace@wales.nhs.uk

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