Up to 2,400 women and their children could be supported to escape
abusive relationships, following the announcement of increased
funding for emergency financial support.
The Scottish Government is providing £2 million for the ‘Fund to
Leave' initiative over the next year (2026-27).
The fund provides immediate financial support for essentials when
leaving an abusive partner, removing the financial barriers that
can trap women in harmful relationships by giving them the means
to act quickly and safely.
Financial uncertainty and economic coercive control are
recognised factors behind women and children remaining in unsafe
situations. Domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of
homelessness for women in Scotland. In 2024-25, nearly one in
four women seeking homelessness assistance cited violent or
abusive household disputes as the reason.
First Minister said:
“Domestic abuse is one of the most harmful and pervasive forms of
violence against women and girls, and there is absolutely no
place for it in modern Scotland. We are determined to break down
the financial barriers that prevent women from leaving abusive
partners so they can begin to safely rebuild their lives and
protect their children from harm.
“Since launching earlier this year, the Fund to Leave has already
supported more than 230 women and 300 children to safely leave
abusive relationships. This has included support to pay rent,
afford transport and buy essentials including food and clothing.
“By increasing the amount of funding available for the year
ahead, we will ensure more women and children are kept safe from
abusive men –reducing homelessness and helping create a fairer
society.
Background
The Fund to Leave is administered by Scottish Women's Aid and
local women's aid groups across Scotland. Women with no recourse
to public funds are also eligible to apply.
Since the national fund launched in February 2026, 233 women have
already received support, with a further 300 children benefiting.
The average award has been around £700.
The Fund to Leave is part of the Ending Homelessness Together
Fund. The previous national fund was set at £1.5 million in
2025-26.
Details on how to apply can be found on the Scottish Women's Aid
website.
