For immediate release:

NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SOUTH LANARKSHIRE WOMEN LEAVING ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Women experiencing domestic abuse will be able to receive up to £1,000 from a new pilot fund to pay for the essentials they need 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 most women’s homelessness applications due to domestic abuse.

Glasgow has the highest number of homelessness applications (370) by women due to domestic abuse. Out of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas, South Lanarkshire has the second highest at 360.

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.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey raised the Fund to Leave in Parliament (October 25).

Speaking in response to a question by local MSP Clare Haughey, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs said:

“Leaving an abusive partner can be a dangerous and difficult time. It is vital that women are able to access the support that they need, when they need it. We know that women experiencing domestic abuse face many challenges and that financial barriers can make it even more difficult to leave abusive partners.

“The Fund to Leave pilot will help to reduce the financial burden on women as they will be able to receive up to £1,000 to pay for the essentials they, and their children, need including rent and clothing.”

Commenting, local MSP Clare Haughey said:

“There are many barriers that stand in the way of a woman leaving an abusive relationship, and concerns over finances can be a major issue. The Fund to Leave will help to reduce the financial burden of leaving an abusive partner.

“South Lanarkshire has the second highest presentations of homelessness applications by women due to domestic abuse across the country.

“Women in South Lanarkshire needing assistance from the Fund are encouraged to contact Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire on 0141 404 0015.”

Scotland’s domestic abuse helpline can also be reached on 0800 027 1234.

ENDS