Survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse will be able to access support quicker thanks to an additional £2 million of funding from the Scottish Government.

The funding will go to Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women’s Aid so they can reduce their waiting lists for women who need support services, including refuge places and counselling. Last year, both organisations supported more than 27,000 women and girls, but demand for their services has grown.

The £2 million for 2024-25 is in addition to £19 million annual funding the Scottish Government provides to support women with experience of violence through the Delivering Equally Safe fund.

Supporting Survivors of Rape and Domestic Abuse

The work that Women’s Aids and Rape Crisis centres do day in and day out to support women, girls and families, here in Renfrewshire and across Scotland, is invaluable.

Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:

“We have seen that demand for these services is increasing, which is why the SNP Scottish Government is providing record funding, investing an additional £2 million to help with immediate need. This is in addition to funding received through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund.

“Alongside supporting those impacted, the Scottish Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it through our Equally Safe Strategy. It is this that needs to change in order to eradicate the violence too many experience.”