Protected characteristics
Several organisations discussed how Equally Safe does not sufficiently account for the needs of those with specific protected characteristics.SPICe analysis of the call for views
Inclusion Scotland said the strategy needs to be expanded to consider the financial concerns of disabled people, given that "61% of women in abusive relationships reported a long-term health condition".SPICe analysis of the call for views The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) said that while the strategy does reference No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), which can affect victim/survivors from ethnic minority backgrounds, it does not go far enough in recognising that "disproportionate financial barriers also impact Scottish and UK born minority ethnic women".SPICe analysis of the call for views
In addition to these points, Age Scotland noted that although the strategy recognises "a quarter of women who have experienced economic abuse are aged over 60" it does not mention issues such as digital exclusion and difficulties accessing social security which can be a barrier to older victim/survivors seeking help.The Social Justice and Social Security Committee.