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