– in the Scottish Parliament at on 26 October 2023.
Rona Mackay
Scottish National Party
Will the First Minister outline how the newly announced fund to leave will support women who are fleeing an abusive relationship?
Humza Yousaf
Scottish National Party
The new £500,000 fund to leave pilot will help to reduce the financial burden on women, who can receive up to £1,000 to pay for the essentials that they and their children need, such as rent or clothing. The fund is for supporting women who are experiencing domestic abuse and who, as we all know, face many challenges and difficulties, including financial barriers, when they plan to leave abusive partners. It is vital that such women can access the support that they need when they need it. That can be through local authorities, the local women’s aid group or partners who are involved in delivering the fund.
I would always urge any women who are experiencing domestic abuse or violence to reach out for the support that is available through Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
