£19m funding boost for VAWG support services in Scotland
More than 100 organisations working to tackle violence against women and girls in Scotland will receive £19 million in new funding.
The new support was confirmed by Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart during a debate in Parliament to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women and Girls campaign, with a focus on empowering the voices of children and young people.
This funding extension, which was confirmed as part of the Scottish government’s Budget for 2025/26, will allow organisations to continue the vital support they provide to women and girls. This includes a focus on prevention of violence, improving support services, and strengthening the justice response to victims and perpetrators.
Ms Stewart said it will provide vital support to survivors of rape, victims of domestic abuse including honour-based abuse and commercial sexual exploitation.
It comes as charities in England and Wales warn a planned 4.2 per cent cut to the Ministry of Justice funding available to commission core victims’ services could have a “devastating” impact.
Victim Support says government plans to cut funding for support services for victims of crime – including domestic abuse and sexual violence – could leave many without “vital support” (see https://policeprofessional.com/news/cuts-to-victims-support-services-could-be-devastating-warns-victim-support/).
In Scotland, the £19 million funding extension will allow organisations to continue their work until March 2026.
Ms Stewart said: “Violence against women and girls has no place in society and we are determined to eradicate it, wherever it happens.
“Since 2021, frontline projects backed by the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported nearly 60,000 adults, children and young people. This funding extension will help ensure even more people can access vital support services.
“Prevention is key to eradicating gendered violence, including engaging with the younger generation who are fundamental to creating a Scotland without violence against women and girls. Ensuring adequate support is provided to survivors is also a priority, and this funding will allow specialist frontline services to continue their invaluable work.”
The Delivering Equally Safe fund is the Scottish Government’s funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies to contribute to the objectives, priorities and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy – Scotland’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.
It funds 119 projects from more than 100 organisations at a level of £19 million a year overall, and has done since 2021.