As part of its initiative to help women and children escape domestic abuse, the Scottish government have launched a pilot which will enable abused women to receive up to £1000 to help with the costs incurred when leaving a controlling or abusive relationship.
The £500,000 Fund to Leave will be administered by various Women’s Aid organisations in the five local authority areas with the highest rate of homeless applications directly resulting from domestic abuse. In 2022-23 almost a quarter of all homelessness presentations by women and their children were due to partner or family-type abuse and violence.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Both tackling homelessness and ending violence against women and girls are key priorities for the Scottish Government. People should feel safe in their own homes but, sadly, too often this is not the case. “Leaving a relationship with an abusive partner is dangerous and difficult, and financial dependence on the abuser is often the biggest barrier.” He went to say that the Fund to Leave will help women with the financial burden of leaving and can help with essentials that women and children need, including rent and clothing.
Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Aid Marsha Scott said: “Survivors have told us for decades that the biggest problems they face in extricating themselves from abusers is the danger of retaliation, their lack of financial independence and the fear of destitution…we are utterly delighted to welcome this fund and to help with getting it out to those who need it as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
