Refreshed Coronavirus (COVID-19) Supplementary National Violence Against Women (VAWG) Guidance published

This version updates the original Supplementary Guidance published by COSLA and Scottish Government in May 2020 and reflects Scotland’s current phase of COVID-19 recovery and renewal. The updated guidance has been developed in partnership with Public Health Scotland and the Improvement Service.

Cllr Kelly Parry, COSLA’s spokesperson for Community Wellbeing said:

“The pandemic continues to impact women’s equality and safety disproportionately. Protecting women and children from all forms of gender based violence and holding perpetrators to account for the harms their chosen behaviours cause, continues to be a priority for Local Government.

As joint owners of Scotland’s Equally Safe Strategy, we will continue to work to support the strong leadership that continues to be demonstrated by local authorities to keep women and children safe.

By refreshing the Guidance we aim to ensure that it will continue to be relevant and helpful. As we move forward through these challenging times our determination to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls in all its forms has never been more important.”

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said:

“It is appalling that there are now greater risks of domestic abuse and violence to women and children, and referrals to frontline services increasing during the pandemic is a major concern.

“That is why we are determined to take action in partnership with local government to protect those experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse. This refreshed guidance is already being used locally to shape effective responses to keep women and children safe, support their recovery and wellbeing and hold perpetrators to account.

“We will also continue to work closely with key partners to ensure that front line services supporting women and children experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of violence are still able to provide that support. During the pandemic, we invested additional resources of £1.5 million to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland, and we have extended our current funding arrangements for front line services until September 2021. Later this year we will invite bids to our new Delivering Equally Safe Fund.”

The Executive Summary of  the  refreshed Guidance can be accessed here .  

For further information contact Katie Brown katie@cosla.gov.uk