THE Scottish government and councils should create a “single point of contact” to support survivors of domestic abuse to leave their abusers, MSPs say in a report published today.

Holyrood’s cross-party social justice and social security committee, which has been examining the financial implications of escaping such situations, argues that having just one point of contact could “help address the issue of victim/survivors having to tell their stories repeatedly, which can be retraumatising.”

The committee’s report also calls for the publication of data on the Scottish government’s Fund to Leave pilot, which supported 500 women in 2023 and 2024 with grants of up to £1,000 to aid their escape from abuse, pending a national rollout. 

Committee convener Collette Stevenson said: “The impact and cost of leaving an abusive relationship can be absolutely devastating and it is critical that victims and survivors can access advice and support quickly and easily.

“Our report calls for the Scottish government to strengthen and standardise the support that is available to people.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said: “Scottish ministers welcome the committee’s report and its finding that support is essential for victims and survivors of domestic and economic abuse.”