Scots domestic abuse support projects share £2.3m lottery funding

Projects aimed at helping domestic abuse victims have been boosted by £2.3 million of funding.

The money from the Big Lottery Fund has been divided between five initiatives in Dunbartonshire, Perthshire, Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire.

Renfrewshire Council has been given almost £800,000 of the funding for a five-year project to provide support services to around 730 women and children.

Perthshire Women’s Aid has been awarded more than £500,000 for its Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery (Cedar) project, while East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health received £285,000 for its Cedar initiative.

The services work with mothers and children, helping them to recover from domestic abuse by them finding a safe place while they deal with their experiences.

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire, and West Dunbartonshire Council have also been given a share of the cash.

Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland chair, said: “This funding will provide continued support for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse to help them to rebuild their lives.

“We know women who have been abused at home can experience further emotional and physical problems.

“If effective support and help can be provided at an early stage, then they, and their children, have a better chance of a positive long-term future.

“Each of these five projects are making a real difference to people’s lives at a time when they need it the most.”

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