Training grant for Scottish Women's Aid ahead of new abuse law

Scottish Women’s Aid is to receive dedicated training funding of £165,000 from the Scottish Government ahead of the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill progressing through Parliament.

The bill, which creates a specific offence of domestic abuse covering psychological abuse and coercive control as well as physical abuse, will have its final stages in the Scottish Parliament today.

The funding will support improved understanding of coercive control within communities and develop bespoke training materials for Scottish Women’s Aid staff. The charity currently receives core funding of £370,000 a year, and a further £451,178 for the National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, who will visit the organisation this morning, commented: "Scottish Women’s Aid have long campaigned for enhanced legislation to better reflect the experiences of women who suffer from domestic abuse, and they have been instrumental in the development of this bill.

"Training is a crucial element to ensuring that the new legislation helps as many people as possible. It is often staff within invaluable organisations like Scottish Women’s Aid that are the first to engage with victims of domestic abuse. The bespoke training and accompanying web-based resources will enhance their preparation for the new offence coming into force."

Marsha Scott, CEO of Scottish Women’s Aid added: "If passed in Holyrood today, the Domestic Abuse Bill will change the landscape for victim-survivors of domestic abuse in Scotland, but no law alone can end domestic abuse.

"We are thrilled to have received funding to train trainers and deliver training on coercive control and the new Act in communities across Scotland. The impact of good training on improving responses cannot be underestimated. This project will help us to prepare for this new Act and make a real difference to the lives of women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse."