A brand new pilot scheme will provide the victims of home abuse as much as £1,000 to flee their relationships, the First Minister has introduced.
Forward of his first SNP convention speech as chief, Humza Yousaf introduced the Fund to Go away – which can ship £500,000 to Girls’s Help organisations in 5 council areas, with the formal announcement due when he speaks on Tuesday.
Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, Edinburgh and Fife will all profit from the scheme initially, with its effectiveness to be assessed.
The money can be utilized to purchase necessities wanted for a sufferer to have the ability to depart their abusive associate.
The Scottish Authorities has stated that almost 1 / 4 of homelessness displays amongst ladies in Scotland had been as a result of abuse.
“Each tackling homelessness and ending violence in opposition to ladies and women are key priorities for the Scottish Authorities,” the First Minister stated.
“Folks ought to really feel protected in their very own houses however, sadly, too typically this isn’t the case.
“Leaving a relationship with an abusive associate is harmful and troublesome, and monetary dependence on the abuser is usually the largest barrier.
“The Fund to Go away will assist to scale back the monetary burden of leaving an abusive associate by serving to to pay for the necessities that ladies and kids want, together with hire and clothes.
“That is simply one of many methods through which we are able to work in the direction of a Scotland the place ladies and women stay free from violence and abuse of their houses.”
Marsha Scott, the chief govt of Scottish Girls’s Help, stated: “Survivors have informed us for many years that the largest issues they face in extricating themselves from abusers is the hazard of retaliation, their lack of monetary independence and the concern of destitution.
“Whether or not survivors and their kids can keep of their houses or want or need to transfer to different lodging, paying the hire and placing meals on the desk are nonetheless a battle.
“After years of advocating for quick, accessible, and sensible assist for leaving, we’re totally delighted to welcome this fund and to assist with getting it out to those that want it as shortly and effectively as attainable.”