A service helping victims of domestic abuse is set to expand into Dumfries and Galloway.
ASSIST, which is based in Glasgow, operates in a number of council areas in the west of Scotland.
And it is now planning to open an office in the region thanks to a funding boost.
Independent chair of the public protection committee Hamish McGhie said: “I am delighted that ASSIST is going to extend their area of work to Dumfries and Galloway. Advocacy provided by ASSIST to victims of domestic abuse is recognised as being of a very high standard and we welcome this opportunity to offer additional support to victims of domestic abuse within the justice system.
“ASSIST is in the process of recruiting staff to establish this service in Dumfries and Galloway with a view to providing the service early in 2023.”
ASSIST stands for advocacy, support, safety, information services together.
It provides practical and emotional support to improve the safety of domestic abuse victims and their children. Help is specifically tailored to the circumstances and needs of individuals and aims to ensure they are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.
Glasgow City Council’s convener for education, communities and equalities Councillor Christina Cannon said: “It’s hard to overstate how difficult it can be for victims to cope alone with the threat of violence and abuse. As well as the physical damage, abuse can take a huge emotional toll on victims and their children. Add to this a complex criminal justice system and the pressure of maintaining their safety and that of their children and it can be an overwhelming ordeal.
“ASSIST provides emotional and practical support which can help people reduce the risk of further abuse, recover and regain control of their lives. Testimony from service users demonstrates how much they value the support they receive and I’m absolutely delighted that the service will soon be able to help even more people with this expansion into Dumfries and Galloway.”
