Kaukab Stewart

The latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan – developed in partnership with COSLA – focuses on prevention of abuse across Scotland’s communities.

For the first time, this includes taking forward a specific approach to tackle honour-based abuse.

Recognising the higher risk of abuse that women and girls with learning disabilities face, it will also ensure that relevant educational settings are equipped to teach pupils about healthy relationships and improve access to support services.

Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart said: “Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and has no place in modern Scotland. Since 2021, frontline projects backed by our Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported nearly 60,000 adults, children and young people, and we are determined to build on that progress.

“This plan sets out our sustained focus on prevention, improving support services and ensuring the justice response is robust.

“Gendered abuse can happen in any community and to ensure that it is tackled effectively and equitably for all women, we are strengthening our response to the diverse ways that violence and abuse can occur.

“That includes recognising that abusers could be extended family members rather than partners - like in some cases of honour-based violence - and ensuring tailored support is provided for vulnerable groups, including women with learning disabilities and migrants.”