JENNY GILRUTH WELCOMES FUNDING FOR SCOTTISH WOMEN’S AID

Published date : 02 Feb 2018

FIFE MSP WELCOMES FUNDING FOR SCOTTISH WOMEN’S AID

Scottish Women’s Aid is being granted dedicated training funding of £165,000 from the Scottish Government following the passing of the Domestic Abuse Bill on Thursday.

The funding will support improved understanding of coercive control within communities and develop bespoke training materials for Scottish Women’s Aid staff.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has been a passionate supporter of the Bill and has worked closely with local group, Fife Women’s Aid, to fundraise for women, children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse.

Commenting, the MSP said:

“I am pleased Parliament has come together to offer cross-party support for the Domestic Abuse Bill. While further work is needed to challenge outdated and dismissive attitudes towards the mental impact of domestic abuse, this is a positive step in tackling one of Scotland’s most insidious crimes.

“Scottish Women’s Aid have been instrumental in the development of the Bill, having long campaigned for enhanced legislation to better reflect the experiences of women who suffer from domestic abuse.

“The Scottish Government’s dedicated funding to Women’s Aid is crucial in ensuring that the new legislation helps as many people as possible. Organisations like Scottish Women’s Aid are often the first to engage with victims of domestic abuse and a programme of bespoke training will only enhance the invaluable service they already provide.

Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid said:

“The Domestic Abuse Bill will change the landscape for victim-survivors of domestic abuse in Scotland, but no law alone can end domestic abuse.

“We are thrilled to have received funding to train trainers and deliver training on coercive control and the new Act in communities across Scotland. The impact of good training on improving responses cannot be underestimated. This project will help us to prepare for this new Act and make a real difference to the lives of women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.”

Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), JUSTICE