13th August 2024
The Scottish Government has published their latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan to address violence against women and girls, developed in partnership with COSLA. This focuses on prevention of abuse across Scotland’s diverse communities, and for the first time, includes taking forward a specific approach to tackle Honour Based Abuse. This includes the consideration of a statutory definition.
At Karma Nirvana, we welcome the Scottish Government’s latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan. We are encouraged to see Honour Based Abuse being recognised as a distinct and serious form of gendered violence that requires tailored approaches and interventions. Too often, Honour Based Abuse is misunderstood or overlooked, leaving victims isolated and without the support they need. This concern is underscored by the fact that Karma Nirvana only handled 24 cases in Scotland last year, a number that is worryingly low given the prevalence of Honour Based Abuse across the UK. This indicates that many victims may not be coming forward or accessing the help they need. By acknowledging that abusers can include extended family members and not just partners, this plan broadens the understanding of how abuse can manifest, particularly within certain cultural contexts.
The emphasis on prevention and the improvement of support services is vital. For the first time, educational settings will be equipped to teach about healthy relationships, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, including women and girls with learning disabilities. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that all women and girls, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the resources and education they need to protect themselves from violence and abuse.
As an organisation that has long advocated for the rights and safety of women and girls facing Honour Based Abuse, we are committed to working alongside the Scottish Government, COSLA, and other key partners to ensure the successful implementation of this plan. We believe that by coming together, we can create a safer, more equitable Scotland where every woman and girl is free from the fear of violence.
Kaukab Stewart, the Equalities Minister said:
“Violence against women and girls is abhorrent and has no place in modern Scotland. Since 2021, frontline projects backed by our Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported nearly 60,000 adults, children and young people, and we are determined to build on that progress.
“This plan sets out our sustained focus on prevention, improving support services and ensuring the justice response is robust.
“Gendered abuse can happen in any community and to ensure that it is tackled effectively and equitably for all women, we are strengthening our response to the diverse ways that violence and abuse can occur.
“That includes recognising that abusers could be extended family members rather than partners – like in some cases of honour-based violence – and ensuring tailored support is provided for vulnerable groups, including women with learning disabilities and migrants.”
We echo this sentiment and will continue to fight for the protection and empowerment of those affected by Honour Based Abuse and other forms of gendered violence. We are pleased to hear that part of this plan includes developing an approach to address honour based abuse, and consideration of a statutory definition.
Together, with a collective and sustained effort, we can help build a future where all women and girls are equally safe, respected, and free to live without fear.