The Big Lottery Fund Scotland is awarding £12m to 24 family support projects
Groups tackling domestic abuse in Scotland have been given £12m from a new lottery fund.
Becoming a Survivor, run by the Big Lottery Fund Scotland, aims to support services for women, men, and families who are affected by domestic abuse.
We know that this is an area where our funding is desperately needed - Jackie Killeen
Abused Men in Scotland(AMIS) will receive £420,000 helping it expand its services and create a national helpline while Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau will get £460,000 to allow it to work with Stirling Women's Aid and others to run a domestic abuse transitions advice project.
Last year there were 60,080 recorded incidents of domestic abuse up from 59,847 in the previous year.
Jackie Killeen, Scotland director for the Big Lottery Fund, said the £12m of grants being awarded would "help to build support around the needs of some of Scotland's most vulnerable and hidden people".
She added: "The latest Police Scotland figures indicate the number of reported domestic abuse incidents in Scotland have risen over the last year, so we know that this is an area where our funding is desperately needed."
Aaron Slater, AMIS helpline and support manager, said the money would help to greatly expand service.
He added: “Of particular significance is the message that the Big Lottery Fund communicates to all the men in Scotland who are suffering domestic abuse: we recognise domestic abuse affects you and you deserve to be recognised, and supported to become a survivor.”
Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau’s Domestic Abuse Transitions Advice project will provide free access to legal advice, representation and casework support services and help families fleeing domestic abuse to move on.
Craig Anderson, Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau Manager, said: "It will give immediate free access to legal advice, representation and casework support services and remove many of the practical barriers to forward motion for the families fleeing domestic abuse.”
