Dignity and respect code is approved
WALES needs a “radical change of culture” to stop sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Dignity and Respect policy was passed by members in the Senedd yesterday with backing from across parties.
During a debate, Plaid Cymru’s Sian Gwenllian said there had to be a “radical change of culture across society in Wales”.
“I call, once again, on the Welsh Government to hold a national survey and a national conversation on sexual harassment and sexual violence. That would raise the profile of the issue, would be a means to allow victims know that the Welsh Government and the National Assembly are on their side.
“Now, sexual harassment happens everywhere, and perhaps the focus, to date, has been on harassment in the workplace, but it’s time that we recognised that it happens on our streets, in our pubs, in our social areas too. Sexual harassment is symptomatic of how women are treated as second-class citizens within this society, and we must acknowledge that the continuum of violence and harassment of women relates to broader cultural patterns of gender inequality.”
Chairman of the Standards Committee Jane Bryant told colleagues that the policy was a first step.
“We’re confident that the provisions put in place to date in the Assembly are moving in the right direction. All of us are required to act with dignity and respect towards everybody in all aspects of our lives.
“This attitude must underline all future discussions.
“I believe that this dignity and respect policy sets clear standards and robust expectations. It has come before you today as the starting-point in a process that ensures greater clarity for everyone.”
Presiding Officer Elin Jones, who was excluded from the vote, also spoke.
She described the policy as a “milestone” but said reports of women being targeted had “concerned her greatly”.
“The policy before us today signifies a milestone in the journey upon which we have embarked since last October to improve the way we deal with complaints about inappropriate behaviour.
“We have listened, consulted upon, and adapted our plans.
“We have also benchmarked our action against best practice elsewhere to give us assurance that we have a policy in place that is fit for purpose.”
She added: “This is not just about the policy and complaints procedures we have; it is the culture of the organisation and how we respond to allegations that will make the difference.
“That responsibility falls upon all of us as Assembly Members, Commissioners, the Standards Commissioner and our political organisations.”
Janet Finch-Saunders spoke on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives.
She said: “We have to have a culture that, if inappropriate behaviour has taken place or even if there’s the perception of inappropriate behaviour, we have the right mechanisms in place here and the support, so that nobody feels that they cannot come forward.”
Plaid’s Llyr Gruffydd said the policy was a “small step in a far longer journey”.