Question reference: S6W-18165
- Date lodged: 23 May 2023
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Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 2 June 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, ahead of the scheduled end in September 2023 of its £5 million funding that it announced in July 2021 to support the reduction of waiting lists in support services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence, and in light of claims by Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre, in its briefing document for MSPs, that the end of this funding would lead to increases in its waiting list and the loss of approximately 60 client appointments each week, whether it plans to extend this funding beyond the currently scheduled end date.
Answer
We recognise the vital work that services like Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre do day in, day out to support women and girls. We also understand the difficult circumstances that the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis continues to put on front line services.
The 100 Days (Covid emergency) funding provided frontline services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence with an additional £5 million to deal with additional pressures that occurred during the pandemic. Rape Crisis Scotland was awarded £2,250,000 over two years, for network members. We are working with Rape Crisis Scotland to ensure that there is an extension to their 100 days funding beyond September 2023 until the end of this financial year. We are also supporting them beyond this bridge funding to diversify their funding base.