THE North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is “very proud” that a campaign he’s supported will help save the lives of domestic abuse victims in the region.

Andy Dunbobbin says the campaign has resulted in a change to legislation, meaning in future domestic abuse and sexual offences will have to treated as seriously as knife crime and homicide cases.

The amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill will make it a legal duty for local authorities, police forces and other agencies to work together to tackle serious violence.

Along with other PCCs, Mr Dunbobbin worked with the SaveLives pressure group to secure the change to the legislation now been backed by Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “I stood for election because I want to make a real and tangible difference to people’s lives.

“I see protecting and supporting vulnerable people as one of the most important aspect of my role as police and crime commissioner.

“That’s why it is such a high priority in my first Police and Crime Plan that’s delivering on the promises I made in my election manifesto.

“I was proud to support the SaveLives campaign and prouder still that it has resulted in this fundamentally important amendment to the legislation.

“This will undoubtedly result in lives being saved here in North Wales and across the UK by helping victims break free from a cycle of abuse and misery whilst ensuring that perpetrators feel the full force of the law and are punished accordingly.

“The changes to the Bill mean that local authorities, police forces and other agencies must address domestic abuse and sexual violence to the same degree as knife crime and homicide.

“It will require all the relevant agencies to work together to end the scourge of domestic abuse for everyone, for good."

Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, said: “It sends a very clear message to victims and survivors that tackling and preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence are top priorities and not optional extras."

Mr Dunbobbin has secured an extra £1.4 million in 2021 in funding to support the work of organisations that provide vital support to abuse victims in North Wales.