A report has highlighted the essential work being done in Scotland in providing vital support and on tackling gender based violence through preventative measures

It covers 120 projects which were funded through the Scottish Government’s Delivering Equally Safe (DES) fund. The front cover features the Peedie Birds of Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service’s display in front of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.

The impact report focusses on work delivered by funded groups delivering projects which mitigate the impact of violence against children and young people (CYP), and covers the period October 2023 – March 2024.

The projects delivered front line support to 21,065 people (slightly down on the previous period) – 15,930 adults; and 5,135 children and young people.

Many of those people had not been supported before by those delivering the services.

Running in parallel to individual support are the sessions delivered in educational settings which raise awareness of gender based violence. Between October 23 and March 24, 41,565 people took part in DES funded education and awareness activities, the majority of whom were children and young people.

Awareness raising and prevention sessions aim to reduce abuse by changing our attitudes to gender based violence. This vital work addresses issues such as consent, healthy relationships, helping young people understand the signs of abusive behaviour, and challenging gender stereotypes and gender equality from an early age.

This approach to domestic abuse education aims to create supportive environments where young people learn to foster healthy relationships, recognise abuse, and contribute to a culture of respect and safety.

In 2023-24 half (50%) of domestic abuse incidents, where the relationship between the victim and suspected perpetrator was known, were between ex-partners. Just under half (49%) of incidents were between current partners.  Two Thirds of Domestic Abuse Crimes are by Repeat Abusers

From the 25 November to 10 December ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ takes place. It reveals that around the world one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or family member.

Through the 16 Days of Activism campaign, UN Women are calling on nations to revitalize commitments, calling for accountability and action from decision-makers.

A global social media campaign to speak up against gender-based violence has been launched using #NoExcuse and #16Days.

The impact report contains comments from those who have participated in the funded support programmes. The report states that:

Domestic abuse continues to be one of the most common concerns identified at child protection case conferences for children on the child protection register. In 2022–2023 domestic abuse accounted for 16% of the total number of concerns recorded at case conferences and 42% of all registrations during the year (Scottish Government, 2024c:14). DES Impact Report

Many women and children become homeless, or have the fear of becoming homeless, when they are experiencing incidents of domestic violence. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. DES funded organisations reported that the national housing crisis is having an additional negative impact on the women and children that they support and the services that the organisations provide. From October 23 to March 24 , twenty three DES funded organisations provided refuge places for a total of 439 people.

Worryingly the reduction in funding means that the work these organisations do is facing very challenging times, as costs rise and more people require these services.

Equalities Minister in the Scottish Government, Kaukab Stewart said:

“Preventing violence against women and girls is key to creating a society where women and girls can live safely. I am proud to be supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign to tackle and prevent violence against women and girls.  

“Thanks to organisations supported by our Delivering Equally Safe fund, workshops supporting young people to understand consent, healthy relationships and the signs of abusive behaviour have reached more than 27,000 young people.

“In the two years since Delivering Equally Safe started, nearly 17,000 children and young people have engaged in frontline funded support.”

The Orkney News is supporting ORSAS again this year during 16 Days of Activism in our Kindness exhibition part of Fair Saturday Scotland events, at the Northlight Gallery Stromness, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 28, 29 30 November, from 11am to 4pm.

Two Thirds of Domestic Abuse Crimes are by Repeat Abusers

Fiona Grahame