Pilot fund will give domestic abuse victims up to £1,000 to escape relationships

A pilot fund has been launched by the Scottish government to help support women escape an abusive relationship.

Women across parts of Scotland will be able to receive up to £1,000 to pay for essentials – including rent and clothing – when leaving a relationship with an abusive partner.

The £500,000 Fund to Leave will be delivered by Women’s Aid groups in the five local authority areas with the highest presentations of homelessness applications due to domestic abuse – Glasgow (370), South Lanarkshire (360), Edinburgh (315), North Lanarkshire (245) and Fife (215).

In 2022-23, almost a quarter of all homelessness presentations by women and their children were due to a violent or abusive dispute in their household.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Both tackling homelessness and ending violence against women and girls are key priorities for the Scottish government.

“People should feel safe in their own homes but, sadly, too often this is not the case.

“Leaving a relationship with an abusive partner is dangerous and difficult, and financial dependence on the abuser is often the biggest barrier.

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“The Fund to Leave will help to reduce the financial burden of leaving an abusive partner by helping to pay for the essentials that women and children need, including rent and clothing.

“This is just one of the ways in which we can work towards a Scotland where women and girls live free from violence and abuse in their homes.”

Grants will be available as part of the pilot until 31 March 2024.

The grants will be delivered by:

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Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid, said: “Survivors have told us for decades that the biggest problems they face in extricating themselves from abusers is the danger of retaliation, their lack of financial independence and the fear of destitution.

“Whether survivors and their children can stay in their homes or need or want to move to other accommodation, paying the rent and putting food on the table are still a struggle.

“After years of advocating for speedy, accessible, and practical help for leaving, we are utterly delighted to welcome this fund and to help with getting it out to those who need it as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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