A NEW support project for survivors of domestic abuse within Scotland’s armed forces community will launch later this year.

A partnership between Victim Support Scotland (VSS) and Scottish Women’s Aid, with funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust, the Safe and Supported Scotland project aims not only to ensure that women and children can access help but also to train armed forces personnel in how to recognise domestic abuse and support those who speak up.

Scottish Women’s Aid chief executive Marsha Scott said: “This project is an important step in strengthening how military survivors are supported across Scotland.

“By improving both access to support and the systems around survivors, this project will help build safer, more consistent responses for those affected by domestic abuse in armed forces communities.”

VSS director of service delivery Jacqueline Cassidy added: “This project has been shaped through engagement and consultation with survivors, practitioners and armed forces support organisations.

“We hope this will not only benefit victim/survivors directly but also their children and family members by creating a sense of safety and security for them to move on with their lives.”