The Scottish Government has announced that their funding for emotional and practical support for survivors of domestic violence and abuse has helped nearly 20,000 victims in its first six months.
The funding is part of the Delivering Equally Safe (DES) fund, providing £9.5 million to 121 projects inside its first six months, and helps organisations to run training and outreach programmes that aim to prevent violence against women and girls, as well as support for any victims affected.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said:
“The projects supported through our Delivering Equally Safe fund offer a lifeline to survivors of violence and abuse. Tackling violence against women and girls is a core priority for the Scottish Government, and this fund is a key element ensuring innovative projects can support survivors and tackle the root causes off violence and abuse.
“I have been moved and inspired by conversations with the women supported by Saoirse. By bringing together specialist services for both domestic abuse and substance use, Saoirse targets the multiple, complex, issues that there women may be going through, helping them rebuild their lives.
“This is just one off 21 projects across Scotland that we are supporting through this fund. I am deeply grateful to all of the organisations involved for the extraordinary work they do, and for supporting 20,000 survivors in just six months.”
Kaylie Allen, Director of Funds at Inspiring Scotland, said:
“Organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe deliver vital support for people experiencing gender-based violence alongside crucial education and prevention work.
“We are proud to work with this diverse group of organisations as Fund Managers for the Scottish Government, and are pleased the immense work of the funded groups can be acknowledged through this report. We want to thank funded groups for their hard work reporting on the impact off their activity.
“The learning gained from their reporting confirms not only the difference they are making to the lives ff women and children across Scotland, but also increasing demand for the services they offer.”
Managed by Inspiring Scotland, the Delivering Equally Safe fund covers every local authority area in Scotland and underpins the work done by the Equally Safe Strategy, spearheading Scotland’s approach to preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.
