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Tackling domestic abuse
18/06/2008
A new blueprint to tackle domestic abuse, backed by £10 million from the Scottish Government, was unveiled today.
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell described domestic abuse as a 'dark stain on Scotland's conscience', as national estimates indicate that over 100,000 children and young people in Scotland are affected by it.
The National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan is the first joined up approach across Scotland to tackle domestic abuse where the spotlight is on children and young people.
It sets out 13 priorities for action over the next three years focused on four main themes of protection, provision, prevention and participation.
For the first time in the UK, the views and recommendations of children and young people affected by domestic abuse have informed, shaped and consequently been embedded in the development of the plan.
The plan - a joint venture between the Scottish Government, COSLA and key agencies - suggests, amongst the priorities, increased training for NHS staff, police officers and teachers to raise awareness.
Funding will be also be directed towards specialist domestic abuse services for children and young people including the development of group work support.
Mr Maxwell said:
"Domestic abuse is a dark stain on Scotland's conscience that has blighted the lives of many thousands of Scotland's women, children and young people.
"Its effects can be seen in children's reaction to the violence and emotional abuse they witness, and to which they may be subject.
"This National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan is groundbreaking and leads the way in the UK. It has been informed by the harrowing experiences of children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
"It signals our commitment - morally and financially - to get it right for these children and young people, their families and communities.
Maggi, from Ayrshire, is one of the young people who has experienced domestic abuse and helped Ministers to draw together the plan. She said:
"It is hard to explain how domestic abuse can affect children and young people. It is such a traumatic experience that impacts on your life in every way. Even when you leave the ongoing fear stays with you.
"This plan will make a real difference in the future. It gives more support to children who need it - the most important priority to me. It will let children and young people know that they are not the only person going through this and that there are people there to help them.
"My message to other children is the best thing to do is get help, you will look back in years to come and think it is the best thing you did."
Councillor Isabel Hutton, COSLA's Spokesperson for Education, Children and Young People, commented:
"I am delighted that COSLA has worked with the Scottish Government and other partners in developing this Plan.
"The voices of children and young people have been listened to and we must certainly continue to do this as we move forward.
"I was moved by the accounts from children and young people and saddened by the impact which domestic abuse has had on their lives and happiness. I was filled with admiration by their courage and resilience.
"However, I was also left with a real sense of determination that local government in Scotland must do all it can to protect, support, prevent and educate current and future generations to remove this blight from our communities."
Heather Coady, Children's Policy Worker at Scottish Women's Aid, said:
"We are delighted with the delivery plan, which we believe will improve things for children and young people across Scotland experiencing domestic abuse.
"This is an excellent example of partnership working with government and experts in the field. The children and young people themselves played a major role in influencing this but its success will depend on the willingness and commitment to implement the project at a local level.
"Scottish Women's Aid hope that local councils will take up the baton and send out a strong message that children and young people experiencing domestic abuse are important and deserve a response that will improve things for them."
Jonathan Sher, director of research, policy and practice development at Children in Scotland, said:
"Although the scars are not visible, domestic abuse can seriously harm children and young people. They deserve equally serious attention and assistance from government.
"The new Delivery Plan is a welcome and promising next step in the right direction. How well the plan is actually delivered will determine its lasting value. Proper implementation will require strong involvement by the voluntary sector and well as public agencies.
"From Children in Scotland's perspective, the keys are to make domestic abuse completely unacceptable and to ensure that children affected are helped to heal their wounds and to get a fresh start on a happier, healthier violence-free home life."
In 2006, Ministers established the National Domestic Abuse Delivery Group (NDADG) and tasked it to develop a Delivery Plan for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
The Scottish Government is providing £10 million over the next three years to support the Plan's implementation. The funding is part of a larger package of £44 million, announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to tackle violence against women and improve the lives of children affected by domestic abuse.