Nicola Sturgeon unveils £190,000 funding to help abuse survivors back into work
Funding of £190,000 has been announced to help women who have suffered domestic abuse back into work.
Funding of £190,000 has been announced to help women who have suffered domestic abuse back into work.
The investment, announced by the First Minister, will allow Scottish Women's Aid (SWA), to work directly with women to give them the opportunity to get back into the job market.
Ahead of her speech at the SWA annual conference, which is taking place on International Women's day, Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government has committed more than £17 million in funding this year to tackle domestic abuse across Scotland.
"Women face a range of barriers that may prevent them moving into employment but none more so than if they are struggling to rebuild their lives after suffering abuse at their hands of their partner,'' she said.
"That's why the Scottish Government is dedicating this additional funding to help women access fair employment opportunities and develop themselves both professionally and personally.
"Nobody should live in fear at home or within their wider community. We need to do more to help rebuild the lives of these survivors.
"This funding will ensure women who may previously have lost confidence or who have relied on their partner's income now have a chance to become more financially independent.''
SWA chief executive Dr Marsha Scott said: "For the first time, we are seeing serious efforts to move beyond crisis intervention to real prevention by addressing the drivers of women's inequality.
"In collaboration with Close the Gap and Engender, we will tackle occupational segregation by supporting women into good jobs that lift women and their children out of poverty. It's a win-win for women and children and for Scotland.''
Emma Ritch, executive director of Engender, a charity that promotes equality for men and women, said: "Women's economic inequality is a cause and consequence of violence against women.
"We are delighted to be partnering with SWA and Close the Gap on this groundbreaking project to support women who have experienced domestic abuse into sustainable employment.
"It has the potential to change women's lives, and transform employability service delivery in Scotland.''