A West Wales Assembly Member has been accused of ‘uninformed criticism’ over a report highlighting gaps in services for women who are victims of violence.

Labour AM Alun Davies wrote to Pembrokeshire County Council demanding answers over what he called particularly poor performance in providing services to women affected by violence.

He wrote to council leader John Davies and chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, following the publication of a report called Map of Gaps 2.

Alun Davies said that the report published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission suggested that services across the mid and west Wales region could be better, with services in Pembrokeshire particularly poor.

Mr Davies, AM for mid and west Wales said: “Violence happens everywhere and it is important that our rural local authorities take the issue seriously and put resources into dealing with the problem and supporting victims in the county.

“I would like Mr Parry-Jones and Councillor Davies to explain how services can be improved upon in Pembrokeshire.”

But the council took exception to Mr Davies singling Pembrokeshire out for criticism.

“We are surprised at the uninformed criticism made as the report does not specifically identify Pembrokeshire and certainly does not single it out for poor performance,” said a spokesman.

He added that Pembrokeshire fared no better or worse than other counties and said that facilities which are for use across the Dyfed-Powys region were wrongly attributed to single counties.

But the council acknowledged there was work still to be done.

A weekly drop-in centre for victims is planned, along with further training for those assisting victims, as well as help for perpetrators who wish to improve their behaviour.

The spokesman added: “Funding has also been secured for a freedom programme which will commence shortly.

“This is a free 12-week programme open to any woman who wishes to learn more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse.”