Current status: Answered by Kaukab Stewart on 12 November 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to support people after they leave a coercive and abusive relationship, particularly in relation to financial abuse.
The Scottish Government is clear that financial uncertainty should not be a barrier to women leaving an abusive partner.
We are investing £1.5 million in a national Fund to Leave, which aims to help reduce the financial burden of leaving an abusive partner by providing financial support to help to pay for the essentials women and children need.
Our £26.1 million a year Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports a range of services for survivors of gender-based violence. The Victim Centred Approach Fund provides £12 million to 23 organisations between 2025 and 2027 for advocacy support for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally we have increased funds to Financially Included to establish an economic abuse helpline.
This year we have allocated £2.2 million to roll out a national Council Tax Debt project, delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland to increase the support available to those that need advice and support on any aspect of Council Tax including arrears.