Sep. 19 2024

Found: certain statutory exclusions - including in relation to those serving sentences for sexual offences or domestic

Sep. 18 2024

Found: children • We provide support to promote children’s recovery from their experience of violence including abuse

Sep. 18 2024

Found: InquiryC3SG RESPONSE UNIT - SCOTTISH CHILD ABUSE INQUIRYREDRESS, RELATIONS AND RESPONSEDIRECTORATE FOR

S6W-29628

Asked by: Eagle, Tim (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - Highlands and Islands)

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what multi-year funding it can provide to advice services on the Western Isles to ensure that islanders are able to continue to access free legal advice.

Answered by Brown, Siobhian - Minister for Victims and Community Safety

The Scottish Government’s budget for 2024-25 has maintained levels of funding for the cost of legal aid (£141.3 million for the legal aid fund). The budget is demand led and all of those who meet the eligibility criteria will have access to legal aid, regardless of those who live in rural and remote geographical areas.

In addition to the provision of judicare, the Scottish Legal Aid Board (SLAB) supports the Civil Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) from its core funding from the Scottish Government and provides a network of publicly funded solicitors by SLAB, operating from offices across Scotland.

The CLAO offers assistance with civil legal problems, targeted at specific geographical areas and specific types of work, in line with priorities agreed by government. It offers a triage service whereby people contacting the service are assessed and offered one or a combination of services, depending on their eligibility for legal aid, needs and the capacity of the service. These include referral to another organisation and signposting and works closely with other advice providers to triage cases also offering, second tier advice and training. CLAO works with local advice services, advocacy services and support groups such as local women’s aid groups.

In addition, access to free legal services is provided to the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre of around £690,000 from 2023-2026 to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, and ensuring that victims receive the support they need. Anyone over 16 in Scotland can access this service.

Mentions:
1: Brown, Siobhian (SNP - Ayr) Pam Gosal will be aware that the disclosure scheme for domestic abuse Scotland provides individuals with - Speech Link
2: Gosal, Pam (Con - West Scotland) My proposal for a domestic abuse register has received cross-party support and the backing of many charities - Speech Link
3: Brown, Siobhian (SNP - Ayr) abuse” includes the member’s proposal for a domestic abuse prevention bill. - Speech Link

Sep. 17 2024

Found: more likely to live in poverty, or be in low -paid employment, and women more likely to suffer from domestic