Violence Against Women and Girls - Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: report

Foreword

When I was asked to chair the Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Services, I knew it would be a huge challenge. This has undoubtedly proved to be the case.

It has also been a huge pleasure, and such a wonderful opportunity to move us forward in how we respond to VAWG in Scotland: to improve sustainability for the vital local services which can transform and sometimes save lives. And even more importantly, both improve the lives of the many thousands of women, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced these terrible crimes and work to prevent them in the future.

I am grateful to everyone who responded to our Call for Evidence, all 475 of you, and to the many more who participated in our engagement events. Even if we came to a different conclusion, we did consider all views submitted to us.

I am also hugely grateful to the members of the Advisory Group, whose wisdom, knowledge and expertise are at the heart of this report. Thank you for giving your time so generously and making this challenging piece of work so collaborative and such a pleasure.

And of course, my thanks to the Secretariat without whom this really would not have been possible. Beth Busby, Eleanor Horne, Johanna Davidson and Rhona Gowans have all contributed over the course of the Review. Particular mention needs to go to Jane McAteer, who was there before the beginning, has kept us on track throughout, provided good advice endlessly, and made sure we met our impossible deadlines. I really could not have had better support.

This report belongs to the women, children and young people who shared their views and experiences with us – we heard what you told us and your stories are reflected in our recommendations.

Lesley Irving

June 2023