The Scottish Government has announced that additional investment is being made into supporting victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse.
A further £2 million of funding is being committed to Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid, to enable them to reduce their waiting lists for women that need support, including refuge and counselling. Both these organisations have supported 27,000 women and girls in the last year, however, the demand for their services has grown.
The funding will be split as follows:
- £1,167,000 – Rape Crisis Scotland
- £910,703 – Scottish Women’s Aid
Siobhian Brown, Minister for Victims and Community Safety, said:
“Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and these frontline services provide much-needed support to victims and survivors.
“We recognise the vital work that women’s aids and rape crisis centres do day in, day out to support women, girls, and families. Demand for these services is increasing, which is why we are providing record funding, investing an additional £2 million to help with immediate need. This is in addition to funding received through our Delivering Equally Safe Fund.
“Alongside supporting those impacted, we are committed to tackling violence against women and girls and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it through our Equally Safe Strategy. It is this that needs to change to eradicate the violence too many experience.”
The £2 million announced today will accompany the £19 million worth of annual funding that the Scottish Government gives organisations that support women who experience violence. That funding is allocated through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund.
Chief Executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, Sandy Brindley, also commented:
“We are delighted that funding has been extended for 10 of our member centres who were facing the most significant issues with waiting lists.
“This funding will help Rape Crisis Centres across Scotland to continue to provide specialist support to survivors of sexual violence that can be truly lifesaving.
“Demand for Rape Crisis support is ever-growing, and it is vital that when survivors reach out for support, they are able to receive it when they need it, not weeks or months later.”
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