Meeting of the Parliament 04 November 2025
I thank the other members of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee for preparing this important contribution to our national discussion. I am now a member of that committee, but I was not when the report was prepared. I thank the clerks and all those who contributed the important evidence.
I know that, in this place, we all share the goal of ending violence against women and girls in Scotland by tackling the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it. We all understand that that has to be a priority for any Government and for the Parliament as a whole. Equally, however, we need to understand that that will not result from good sentiments and kind words alone. I therefore welcome the minister’s comments so far in the debate, and I look forward to hearing her closing contribution at the end of today’s discussion.
I have heard—I am sure that other members have, too—harrowing stories from constituents about financial exclusion causing a great number of problems when they are leaving domestic abuse situations. My party and I want to play a constructive and positive role in achieving change. We need to ensure that any legislative efforts are making the impact that women and girls need, and we need efforts that reflect the reality of life for domestic abuse victims in Scotland. The committee’s work goes some way to improving the landscape on that, and Scottish Labour welcomes its recommendations. I will touch on a few that I hope jump out as a priority.
Overall, the equally safe strategy is good, but it can be effective in helping victims only if more is done to raise awareness of its existence. We know that far too many people have no idea about the programmes and funds that are available to them. That information should be present in as many settings as possible, especially during people’s lives in education. We heard about the need to inform young women and girls of the help that is provided and the platforms where they can get support throughout their lives. That is important in ensuring that young girls and women grow up knowing what is available to them.
Women who are trapped in an abusive relationship are, in effect, unable to live any form of healthy life. A key component of that is the restriction in their access to finance. That is often deliberate, and it is cruel. Abusers begin the process very early in relationships, so the signs are often there, but, naturally, not everyone can see them, particularly in those early moments. We must use what we have learned from police, social services and health settings to inform policy and improve the offer that we have. That cross-portfolio working is key to ensuring that information and support are provided at the correct time and in the correct way.
If we are serious about supporting women to leave abusive relationships, we must give them the financial freedom to leave. Others have spoken about that. The fund to leave can go a long way to assisting not only women in that situation but their children or dependants. However, we need to consider further whether the current level is enough, how the fund can be accessed and whether it will be brought in across the board.
The evidence that was received during the inquiry highlighted numerous barriers that victims face in accessing the support that they need. A large part of that is about debt, as we have heard from other members. Survivors often face debt that has come through desperation or deliberate manipulation by partners. I know that the minister mentioned that in her speech, but the Government must consider that aspect and work with partners to help victims when they are in temporary accommodation, so that they are not drowning in financial obligations and can maintain their housing. We know that maintaining housing is a key way of ensuring that victims have a more positive outcome.
We, in Scottish Labour, are updating our policies in line with some of the recommendations, and we continue to review their effectiveness so that we can help as many people as possible. We have to improve Scotland with meaningful policy that will not simply disappear into news cycles. The committee’s report is an opportunity to take a step in that direction, and we welcome it.
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