WIREDGOV

£600,00 funding provides ‘lifeline’ for women suffering physical or mental trauma. 

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill visited a specialist service helping Muslim women out of abusive relationships earlier today (Thursday, 26 June).

Amina, a Muslim Women’s Resource Centre based in Glasgow, provides a range of services to women including counselling and befriending services. It also provides a vital freephone helpline for advice and support to women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse.

The Scottish Government has provided around £600,000 to the scheme through contributions to both Amina and Citizens Advice Direct, who are partners in the project.

Their involvement means that women who are victims of domestic abuse can now also benefit from advice on money matters, including benefit checks, debt advice and more.

Speaking after the visit, Mr MacAskill said “Domestic abuse blights the lives of individuals and communities but services such as these provide vital support to those who might otherwise be isolated and alone. Instead of feeling like there is nowhere to turn, Amina and Citizens Advice Direct are providing a lifeline to women to get out of abusive relationships.

“Domestic abuse often goes wider than physical violence. It can include psychological abuse through controlling behaviour and often involves taking away a victim’s financial independence. That is why this service, with the added provision of money advice, is so valuable.

“Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls was launched yesterday which underlines this Government’s commitment to ensuring victims of domestic abuse can access relevant and effective services which meet their needs. There are no quick fixes to this deep-rooted problem. Rather we need significant social, cultural and attitudinal change over the long-term.

“But by working together we can make a real difference and tackle this problem head on. There is no excuse for domestic abuse and there should be nowhere to hide for those who perpetrate it.”

Citizens Advice Direct’s Chief Executive Andrew Bartlett said:

“While we are a national service, it is important that we work in partnership with specialist organisations like Amina in order to provide effective community based services where they are needed. This is a great example of two organisations working together to improve access to advice services. We are committed to ensuring that our helpline continues to widen its reach through effective partnerships, and this is a fantastic illustration of this.”