£500k grant to further work of Angus Women's Aid

More than 20 diverse organisations across the country are set to benefit from the new Victim Centred Approach Fund over the 2022-25 period, while a further £257,000 is being awarded from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

Angus Women’s Aid is set to benefit from both, receiving £479,550 through the new fund and another £22,000 from the Victim Surcharge Fund.

In total, organisations which support victims and survivors of crime across Scotland are set to benefit from £48m of grant funding.

Victim Support Scotland is receiving just over £18m, with various other organisations supporting women and girls, trafficking victims and people from ethnic minorities also to benefit.

An independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme will also begin this month, led by Alastair MacDonald, former chairman of Victim Support Scotland.

This scheme enables victims to receive certain information about the release of a prisoner, with the review considering possible improvements to ensure it is serving victims effectively.

The funding has been welcomed by Angus South MSP Graeme Dey, who said the cash will help Angus Women’s Aid to continue its vital support for women and children locally who have experienced domestic abuse.

He continued: “Having been brought up to speed with their ongoing work when I visited late last year, I know this investment will go towards expanding truly invaluable services.

“The funding directed to organisations nationwide underlines this Scottish Government’s absolute commitment to putting victims of crime at the centre of the justice system, and ensuring they are fully supported on their journey to recovery.”

“This new Victim Centred Approach Fund will additionally support court advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence and specialist services for those bereaved by crime, while extending assistance for victims of human trafficking and enabling better long-term outcomes for victims across the board – including improved mental and physical health.”