Efforts to tackle domestic violence are “more important than ever” in light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Aberdeenshire Council officials have said.
The local authority yesterday confirmed its commitment to continue to support an anti-violence partnership over the next two years.
The Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership (VAWP) involves a range of statutory and voluntary agencies in Aberdeenshire – including the council – aimed at preventing violence and providing support to women and girls who have suffered, or are at risk of, violence from men.
Head of children’s services Leigh Jolly, who also leads the Aberdeenshire VAWP, told the council’s communities committee the risk of violence and exploitation significantly increases during periods of lockdown and that it is a particularly difficult time for those living with domestic abuse.
The partnership is working to highlight the additional risks to ensure the group is doing everything it can to support those affected, and that support services are still visible and available.
Ms Jolly said the council is committed to working with partners to mitigate risks and that services would not be reduced.
The committee heard the housing service is bringing empty properties back into use to support those who may need urgent accommodation.
It was also agreed the Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership should be asked to consider a way of monitoring incidents of domestic violence against men.
Speaking after the meeting, committee chairwoman Anne Stirling said: “The VAWP has been carrying out important work with a range of partners to support and protect those at risk of violence and, as we respond to the challenges of coronavirus, that support is more important than ever.
“We were reassured to hear of the additional efforts that are being made to maintain services during this time.”