Women and children at risk of domestic violence are being supported with extra funding during coronavirus lockdown.
Grants worth more than a million pounds have been given to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland to help reach potential victims.
It follows warnings from support groups that domestic abuse will rise significantly as victims are forced to self- isolate at home with abusers.
Scotland’s 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.”
Scottish Women’s Aid will get £1.35 million over six months. Rape Crisis Scotland will get £226,309 over six months.
Police have already pledged to keep domestic abuse a “top priority” during the Covid-19 crisis.
The new money comes on the same day as new official Scottish Government figures show the number of convictions involving domestic abuse fell by seven per cent last year. It’s the fourth year of decline in a row.
Further help can be found here:
> Scotland’s 24hr Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available on 0800 027 1234.
> Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline is available on 08088 01 03 02. Calls to this number are free. Or email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk or text 07537 410027.
