Cost of leaving abusive relationships to be investigated by Scottish parliament

The Social Justice and Social Security Committee has issued a call for views as it seeks to explore economic abuse - a form of coercive control where an abuser restricts a person's ability to get, use and keep money or other financial resources.

The inquiry will investigate what support women leaving abusive relationships can access, how public sector and social security rules and practices take account of financial issues in these circumstances, and how much information and advice women have access to.

Since 2018-19, Police Scotland has recorded more than 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse each year.

However, research from Scottish Women's Aid suggests the real figure could be much higher, with many incidents going unreported to police.

Earlier this week, the force revealed there were 20,271 reported crimes of domestic abuse between April and September - an increase of 11% on the same period the year before.

The Scottish government said reports of domestic abuse can "rise substantially" over the Christmas period, a time when "family finances can be at their most stretched".

Research from charities including Refuge and Women's Aid has found that this, alongside pressures caused by the cost of living crisis, can effectively trap victims of domestic abuse.

Committee convener Collette Stevenson said: "The Christmas period should be a time where women can get together with their families.

"But sadly for many women suffering from abuse Christmas can be a lonely and terrible time, with economic abuse trapping them in abusive relationships.

"We know that over 60,000 incidents of domestic abuse are reported to the police in Scotland each year, and we want to use this inquiry to learn about the support available to women in this awful situation and get an idea of what else can be done."

As well as economic abuse, the probe is also likely to cover the Scottish government's work to tackle violence against women and girls, as well as the support available to victims.

In a pilot project launched last year, women across parts of Scotland were able to receive up to £1,000 to pay for essentials - including rent and clothing - after leaving an abusive relationship.

The Fund to Leave scheme was delivered by Women's Aid groups.

Ms Stevenson, the MSP for East Kilbride, added: "If you have any experience of this issue, or work for a charity or public body that supports women in this situation, we want to hear from you.

"Share your views with us by responding to our call for views."

The call for views opened on Friday and will close on 20 February, with the committee happy to receive anonymous responses.

-SKY NEWS