By Bill Heaney
Police Scotland statistics show that incidents of domestic abuse within West Dunbartonshire are well above the Scottish average and the second highest in the country.
Yet the council have advised them that they are have already reduced their funding by £42,000 and are now potentially cutting more or all of the funding they provide.
“This will seriously affect the help and support we can provide to local women and jeopardise our long term future. Please reach out to your local councillors, SMP and MP and express your support for us,” a spokesperson for Women’s Aid said today.
Christina Ross Marno says that to even consider this councillors are being “foolish” — “Shocking. Obviously they haven’t had to rely on the service or they wouldn’t be so foolish.”
Scott D Mc added: “When I left an abusive relationship the council told me I had to contact my abusive ex in order to get a homeless unit because they needed her to confirm the relationship was over.
“Never in a million years would they have made a woman do this. You’ll still all have plenty help compared to what I did.”
Jane Graham replied: “I am writing my letters this evening and plan to join you in Church Street, I will be in touch to get further details.”
Elizabeth Devine Daly Said: “We will be contacting local politicians. This is a disastrous policy decision and has to be reversed!”
Charlene Gold added: “This is diabolical, I work in a front line service in West Dunbartonshire, I will definitely get letters emailed to the local councillors to oppose this.”
Gemz Tanz said: “It’s shocking. I’ve emailed local MP.”
No cuts to Women’s Aid or any other groups providing valuable services in West Dunbartonshire.