More money announced to deal with domestic and sexual violence cases

Extra money over the next three years for a range of measures to tackle all forms of violence against women and girls in Scotland has been announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The £11.8m, out of additional funding of £20m for the equality budget, will be used to increase court capacity to reduce delays, inconvenience and stress for victims and their families; widen access to specialist advocacy and support services for victims; expand access to specialist legal advice to victims of rape and other sexual offences; explore an expansion to innovative initiatives that work with abusive men to address the underlying causes of their behaviour; and improving education and information resources to help increase public understanding and reinforce a zero-tolerance approach.

Around 220 projects across Scotland are expeced to benefit from the funding.

Last week the First Minister also launched a consultation on proposals for new legal measures, including a specific domestic abuse offence (click here for report).