£1.6m aid for Glasgow domestic abuse victims

Victims of domestic abuse in Glasgow are receiving a much-needed lifeline through a pioneering project aimed at combatting financial coercive control by abusive partners.

Often, individuals trapped in abusive relationships struggle to break free due to financial constraints, especially when children are involved. This form of control involves forcing victims to sign contracts, take out loans, withholding money, or preventing them from working, thus limiting their access to financial resources.

Financially Included, a project initiated in 2022, has already assisted 390 victims in Glasgow by writing off their debts, helping them claim eligible benefits, and connecting them with additional support services from charities. The total financial aid provided through this project has exceeded £1.6 million.

Developed in partnership by GEMAP, Glasgow’s Violence Against Women Partnership (GVAWP), and Glasgow City Council’s Violence Against Women Services, this initiative recognises the significant barriers posed by poverty and financial control in abusive relationships.

It is common for victims to continue repaying coerced debts long after the abusive relationship has ended, exacerbating their financial burden. In response to this pressing issue, Financially Included not only assists victims but also provides training to money advice organisations to identify signs of coercive control and offer appropriate support.

Ann Fehilly of Glasgow’s Violence Against Women Services highlighted the importance of addressing financial coercive control, stating, “It can limit a victim’s ability to seek safety and build a better life for themselves and their children. By providing the necessary support and resources, this project is empowering women to take back control of their lives.”

The project’s success has been acknowledged by Glasgow City Council’s Environment and Liveable Neighborhoods Committee, which also noted its potential to be replicated in other areas of Scotland. With growing interest from various Violence Against Women Partnerships, there is optimism that this innovative approach could have a wide-reaching impact.