New £38m fund to tackle violence against women and girls

Projects in Scotland supporting survivors of violence against women and girls are set to share £38m worth of funding.

The money, made available through the Scottish Government’s Delivering Equally Safe fund, will be distributed to 121 projects across the country.

It includes over £28m for frontline services providing direct support to women and girls, with a priority on services which maximise safety and wellbeing.

The two-year fund has also been increased by an additional £1m per year to support projects focusing on early intervention and preventative measures.

Amongst the projects to receive funding are Respect, which provides helpline services for perpetrators of domestic abuse, Kingdom Abuse Survivors project and Moray Women’s Aid.

Equalities minister Christina McKelvie said she is looking forward to seeing the results of the work set to be delivered by the fund.

“Violence against women and girls is appalling and unacceptable which is why we are funding organisations that are tackling the issue head on, including frontline services that support survivors and get to the root of abusive behaviour,” she said.

“These organisations are offering new and innovative ways to aid recovery, encourage education, and increase prevention awareness.

“I am also pleased that we have been able to increase our funding by more than £1m a year more than our original fund to increase our support to these important initiatives.

“I look forward to seeing the results of the important the work that Equally Safe Fund will deliver.”

Melanie Wood, from Moray Women’s Aid, said: “We are delighted to receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe fund.

“It will allow us to continue to deliver essential services to vulnerable women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse when they most needed it.

“The funding will support the work of our Community Outreach Project and the Children and Young Person’s Service.”