By Bill Heaney
Why is Clydebank Women’s Aid being shut down, MSP Pam Gosal asked First Minister John Swinney at Holyrood.
She said: “After more than four decades of tireless work, Clydebank Women’s Aid in West Dunbartonshire, which is in my region, will be shutting down.
“West Dunbartonshire has the second highest rate of domestic abuse in Scotland, with 153 incidents per 10,000 people.
“We must not underestimate the excellent work that those organisations do by acting as lifelines for many survivors.
“I have been contacted by many organisations and constituents, who have told me that the decision will have an enormous and devastating impact on the local community.
Pam Gosal MSP and First Minister John Swinney.
“What support will the Scottish Government provide to organisations that help domestic abuse survivors, so that they can continue the good work that they do, especially when the number of domestic abuse cases in Scotland is rising?”
“This year, the delivering equally safe fund will provide £21.6 million to 115 projects that focus on preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls.
“Those projects will be available to ensure that there is support in communities the length and breadth of Scotland to assist women who are facing domestic abuse.
“I will ensure that there is support under that funding scheme to provide relevant and appropriate access in the Clydebank area.”