Question reference: S6W-14044
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 18 January 2023
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Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 25 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide any additional financial support to people in abusive relationships during the cost of living crisis, in order to enable them to leave their abusive partners in situations where they are financially reliant on them, and what its position is on the reported suggestion by Women's Aid to introduce an emergency support fund for this purpose.
Answer
We are very concerned about the additional hardship women and children experiencing domestic abuse are facing as a result of the Cost of Living Crisis. We recognise this can impact their ability to leave their abuser and we are exploring options around the delivery of financial support in order that this is not a barrier to leaving an abusive partner.
We are working with Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA) and other organisations to consider how this support can be best developed and delivered.
No-one should have to endure domestic abuse and help and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 0271234.