EQUALITIES Minister Kaukab Stewart has announced an increase in funding to tackle violence against women.
During a visit to SAY Women, a Glasgow charity offering accommodation and support for young survivors of sexual abuse, Stewart announced that over 100 organisations will receive a share of £2.4 million.
Stewart said: “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.
“This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”
The increase in funding will bring the total Scottish Government investment in projects to prevent violence and support victims up to £21.6m subject to the 2025-26 budget being approved.
The reserve, called the Delivering Equally Safe Fund has supported organisations across Scotland in to tackle violence against women and girls since 2021.
Frontline projects funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported 67,004 adults, children and young people since 2021, according to Government figures.
Reacting to the funding increase, SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said: “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.
“In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in national insurance contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage.”
She continued: “This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”
