The Scottish Government has announced vital funding for domestic abuse charities, as they expect an increase in cases with the country on lockdown
Emergency funding for organisations that support those affected by domestic abuse has been announced.
Reports of substantial increases in domestic attacks on women have been reported in several countries that have went into lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Government has responded to an expected increase in work for organisations that offer support by allocating emergency grants.
Grants from the Scottish Government’s £350 million Communities Fund have been made to Scottish Women’s Aid (£1.35m) and Rape Crisis Scotland (£226,000) to ensure that access to tkey support services is maintained and victims still have access to methods of reporting crimes during the crisis, including using online video platforms, text messaging and phone calls.
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We want women and children experiencing domestic abuse in the home to know that although they may feel isolated and vulnerable during these unprecedented times, they are not alone.
“Anyone experiencing violence, including coercive and controlling behaviours, should not feel in any way inhibited by the current coronavirus outbreak to report a crime against them.
“These are enormously difficult times, but the safety of women and child victims who experience abuse in the home is paramount – the message to stay at home does not mean that they should not seek urgent help, advice or support.
“As the anniversary of the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018 approaches, it is a priority now as ever that victims of domestic abuse and gender based violence have access to support services, and that support organisations and frontline staff, who work tirelessly to provide these vital services, are supported to deliver new ways of working in these unprecedented times.”
