Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher and Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
by BILL HEANEY
Women who are being abused were able to benefit from a fund to leave home and take their children with them until June this year.
Tory MSP Meghan Gallacher has asked the Scottish Government why this is happening now and to provide an update on the fund to leave initiative.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Neil Gray, said the programme for government committed to making the £2 million fund to leave initiative permanent.
He added: “I am pleased to say that the first grant payment to Scottish Women’s Aid has been processed and that the fund will be available for applications shortly.
“I am also pleased that, earlier this month, we announced that we would go further than the programme for government commitment and doubled funding to £4 million to ensure that there is no cap on support.
“The increased investment will reach even more women and children, supporting them to leave an abusive relationship and to take the first steps towards a stable, secure and independent future that is free from abuse.
Meghan Gallacher replied: “That is a welcome response, but the Cabinet Secretary for Justice knows that leaving is not the end of the danger that women face.
“Around 60 per cent of women who leave will face stalking or some form of harassment, and I hope that he appreciates that a fund is not enough.
“Will the Scottish Government consider introducing a GPS tracker pilot to prevent perpetrators from breaching bail conditions and reoffending?
Neil Gray told MSPs: “I appreciate Meghan Gallacher’s question, and I fully understand what she is saying about leaving not being the end of the story.
“Sadly, I have met too many victims, so I understand that very clearly. That is why we are taking forward measures to ensure that we are using technology across the criminal justice system as best as possible.
“We need to do that in a measured way, so we are piloting GPS technology through Sheriff Principal Wade’s jurisdiction next year. I hope that will allow us to provide reassurance to women and girls about our ability to keep them safe. “