Abuse plan to focus on children

It is estimated that up to 100,000 children and young people are affected by abuse

A new �10m blueprint to tackle domestic abuse has been unveiled by the Scottish Government.

The plan is focused on children and young people. It is estimated that up to 100,000 of them are affected.

The plan sets out 13 priorities for action over the next three years including increased training for NHS staff, police officers and teachers.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell described domestic abuse as a "dark stain on Scotland's conscience".

Mr Maxwell added: "Its effects can be seen in children's reaction to the violence and emotional abuse they witness, and to which they may be subject."

He called the National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan "groundbreaking" because "it has been informed by the harrowing experiences of children and young people".

The Scottish Government is providing �10m over the next three years to support the plan's implementation.

It is such a traumatic experience that impacts on your life in every way. Even when you leave, the ongoing fear stays with you Maggi

The funding is part of a larger package of �44m announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Funding is also to be directed towards specialist domestic abuse services for children and young people including the development of group work support.

Maggi, from Ayrshire, is one of the young people who has experienced domestic abuse and helped ministers to draw together the plan.

She said: "It is hard to explain how domestic abuse can affect children and young people.

"It is such a traumatic experience that impacts on your life in every way. Even when you leave, the ongoing fear stays with you.

"This plan will make a real difference in the future. It gives more support to children who need it - the most important priority to me.

"It will let children and young people know that they are not the only person going through this and that there are people there to help them."

The local government body Cosla said it was "delighted" to be involved in developing the policy.

Scottish Women's Aid has also welcomed the plan but said "its success will depend on the willingness and commitment to implement the project at a local level".

This was echoed by Children in Scotland. Jonathan Sher, its director of research, policy and practice development, said: "The new Delivery Plan is a welcome and promising next step in the right direction.

"How well the plan is actually delivered will determine its lasting value."

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