This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Launch of domestic abuse training strategy
24/03/2004
Students in Scotland could be opting for a degree in
Violence Against Women studies, it was announced today.
The Communities Minister launched the first national
training strategy for professionals so that, whether they
work in personnel or front line services, they can spot and
deal sensitively and effectively with people suffering
domestic abuse.
Training strategies will now be developed across
Scotland for teachers, doctors, housing officers or any
other worker who comes into contact with people suffering
domestic abuse.
The strategy, a first for the UK, is backed by an
initial cash boost of £2.1 million and the creation of
three new national training posts, based within the
Executive and Scottish Women's Aid. They will work with the
public and private sector to integrate training in domestic
abuse into the overall training activity of each
organisation.
In the longer term, domestic abuse modules will be
incorporated into all professional courses for nurses,
teachers, social workers and lawyers. And the possibility
of a specialist degree in Violence Against Women studies
will be investigated in conjunction with universities and
colleges.
Margaret Curran said: "We have taken bold steps to
challenge the old fashioned notion that abuse in the home
is 'just a domestic' which has to be tolerated. Women and
children should now be confident that help is available
when they seek it.
"We have committed substantial resources, totalling
around £32 million over six years, on measures to improve
the lives of the thousands of women and children affected
by domestic and sexual abuse.
"This is the first national training strategy in
Scotland and it will help drive our work forward. Our
ultimate aim is to eliminate domestic abuse from Scottish
society, but until this becomes a reality we must ensure
that the best possible support services are in place for
those who are suffering.
"Domestic abuse is an abuse of power, used mainly by
men. It is not the woman's fault and perpetrators must be
challenged. In the long term, attitudes must change and,
until this happens, we will continue to support women and
their children when they suffer in this way."
Rowan Steele at Scottish Women's Aid said: "The
principles upon which this training strategy is based are
excellent with domestic abuse remaining a key priority of
the Executive.
"Training is central to ensuring that agencies provide
sensitive and informed support to women, children and young
people experiencing domestic abuse. Training builds both
the confidence and knowledge of front line staff.
"The funding being made available is one step forward.
In partnership with the Executive we will be monitoring the
progress of both the implementation and funding of the
strategy as it is rolled out."
Scottish Women's Aid estimate that over 100,000 children
live with domestic abuse and the Executive is currently
working to develop a range of support services for children
and young people in families experiencing domestic abuse.
Two new workers will be recruited to develop this work in
conjunction with Scottish Women's Aid. To plug the gap
while this work is being developed, Margaret Curran
announced a year's extension of around £200,000 funding to
ensure that every child in refuge has access to a
specialist support worker.
Margaret Curran was the keynote speaker at a Tackling
Domestic Abuse in Scotland: Improving Prevention,
Protection and Provision conference arranged by the Law
Society of Scotland and held at the Caledonian Hilton Hotel
in Edinburgh.
The five new posts of National Training Co-ordinator
(x 2), National Trainer and Children's Services Development
Worker (x 2) will be advertised in the next few weeks.
Latest police statistics show that over 36,000
incidents of domestic abuse were reported in 2002 and the
number of rapes or attempted rapes reported increased by 21
percent to 913 incidents that year.
The Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted at 0800
027 1234 or information is available at
www.domesticabuse.co.uk