‘ More cash support needed’ for domestic abuse survivors

THE cost- of- living crisis could be a “matter of life and death” for women and children exper iencing domestic abuse, campaigners have warned.

Scottish Women’s Aid is calling on the Scottish Government to set up a dedicated fund, designed to help women experiencing abuse with the costs of leaving.

Dr Marsha Scott, right, chief executive of the charity, said: “With winter upon us and costs spiralling, without access to additional funds to support them, women must choose between staying with abusers or experiencing homelessness and destitution.”

She made the comments as Scottish Women’s Aid launched its # CostOfLeaving campaign as it begins 16 days of activism to end gender- based violence.

Scottish Women’s Aid wants those fleeing abusive relationships to be able to access cash to help with “essential crisis costs” as they wait for benefits money to come through.

The charity said that while a recommendation for this had been accepted two years ago, “this fund is yet to materialise and women and children are suffering as a result”.

Dr Scott said: “Women experiencing domestic abuse face a cost- of- living crisis every day. As do their children.

“With winter upon us and costs spiralling, without access to additional funds to support them, women must choose between staying with abusers or experiencing homelessness and destitution.

“We know the Scottish Government shares our goal of ending men’s violence against women, but we are concerned that the needs of women and children experiencing domestic abuse have slipped down the priority list.

“Children’s and women’s needs must be a headline in Scotland’s response to the cost- of- living crisis, not a footnote explaining why they are an afterthought. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We’re very concerned about the additional hardship women and children experiencing domestic abuse are facing as a result of the cost- of- living crisis.

“We have allocated almost £ 3 billion in this financial year to help – including £ 1bn in providing services and financial support available elsewhere in the not

UK.

“As well as support through our delivering equally safe fund – which is providing £ 24m to help tackle domestic abuse – and our forced marriage helpline, we’ve widened access to the best start grant pregnancy and baby payment.”