Smith calls for better help for victims of domestic abuse

22/11/07

Margaret Smith MSP has called for continued improvements to the support provided to victims of domestic abuse and children affected by violence and abuse in the home. Speaking at a debate in the Scottish Parliament today, the Edinburgh West MSP highlighted the extent of the problem in Scotland and the wide ranging negative consequences for the women and children affected, and called on the Scottish Government to ensure that support for victims of abuse is effective and fully funded. 

Commenting, Mrs Smith said:

“It is vital that violence against women, and particularly domestic abuse, is kept on the political agenda and I welcomed the focus of today’s debate on the impact of domestic abuse on children. We must ensure that children do not learn violence and unacceptable behaviour from their parents and that they are protected from the long term damage exposure to domestic abuse can cause.

“A great deal of progress was made on this issue by the previous Scottish Executive and a lot of great work is being done by voluntary organisations. However, it is crucial that Government support to tackle domestic abuse continues and it is deeply concerning that the Violence Against Women Fund is to be rolled up by the Scottish Government and that there is to be a drop in real terms funding for victim support. I will be continuing to call for properly funded victim support and domestic abuse services and I hope that the Scottish Government will recognise the importance of this issue.”