Blog: National Safeguarding Week

I joined Association of Police and Crime Commissioner colleagues in a call with the Women’s Minister Victoria Atkins this week for a discussion on safeguarding.

Sadly, we know that cases of rape, sexual violence and domestic abuse have increased during lockdown and we impressed upon the Minister the important need for more sustainable funding levels to support victims. I was pleased to hear that she agreed with our concerns and will feed this back to the UK Government.

I take the safeguarding of vulnerable people incredibly seriously.

My office supported the creation of a Senior Safeguarding Practitioner who sits in the Gwent Police Control Room to provide advice, guidance and support to control room staff and frontline police officers about safeguarding. The role is the first of its kind in Wales.

We have also supported the Gwent Police Early Action Together team, a specialised group of officers and staff that ensure that children and their families are offered the right support at the earliest opportunities. Since 2018 the team have trained more than 1300 police officers and 400 staff from partner organisations to recognise the signs of adverse childhood experiences.

The evidence shows us that children who experience trauma are more likely to perform poorly in school and become involved with crime so these initiatives are not only helping to safeguard vulnerable people but also to reduce crime and give people better opportunities in life in the long term.

Crucially, safeguarding vulnerable people is not only the responsibility of the police, we all have our parts to play. Our partners at the Gwent Safeguarding Board provide valuable information, support and training opportunities for families, individuals, organisations and professionals in Gwent. 

You can also report issues to Gwent Police via 101. In an emergency always call 999.