Holyrood committee to investigate financial side of domestic abuse

Since 2018-19, Police Scotland has recorded over 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse each year.

Posted in

Scottish Government

A Holyrood committee has launched an inquiry into the financial implications of leaving an abusive relationship.

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee has issued a call for views on the issue, with a particular desire to hear from victims about the monetary barriers they faced.

The inquiry will focus on economic abuse, as well as covering the Government’s work to tackle violence against women and girls and the support available to victims.

Committee convener Collette Stevenson said: “The Christmas period should be a time where women can get together with their families.

“But sadly for many women suffering from abuse, Christmas can be a lonely and terrible time, with economic abuse trapping them in abusive relationships.

“We know that over 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse are reported to the police in Scotland each year, and we want to use this inquiry to learn about the support available to women in this awful situation and get an idea of what else can be done.

“If you have any experience of this issue, or work for a charity or public body that supports women in this situation, we want to hear from you.

“Share your views with us by responding to our call for views.”

The call opened on Friday and will close on February 20, with the committee happy to receive anonymous responses.