Communities minister Malcolm Chisholm announced the funding at a Scottish Women's Aid 'Listen Louder' campaign event last week, organised to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on children. The money is intended to extend services so that any minor who needs support will be able to access it.
Around 100,000 children and young people in Scotland are estimated to be experiencing the effects of domestic abuse. Statistics show that one in five women in Scotland are abused by their partner at some point during their lives, and more than 36,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police in 2002.
Mr Chisholm said, 'It is a sad fact that in more than 90 per cent of cases, children are in the same or next room when their mother experiences abuse.
'We don't want these children to be forgotten victims. We must ensure that they are supported through these times. We want to look at longer-term solutions to help children and young people deal with their situation.
'This 6m represents a substantial new investment to improve services and extend support for children.'
Mary Lockhart, national media and public affairs worker for Scottish Women's Aid, welcomed the funding. The charity did not have enough resources available to deliver the support, follow-on and outreach services that are needed, she said. 'We're delighted that ministers have responded to the call from children and young people experiencing domestic abuse, and have listened louder.
'There are 94 children's support workers in Women's Aid groups. Many only work part- time, funding is on an ad hoc, often year-to-year basis, and there are only five dedicated outreach workers, two of whom are part-time.'
She added, 'The new funding is likely to secure existing provision, double the number of workers, and enable Women's Aid groups to enhance and develop support and outreach services.'
The Scottish Executive announced the funding while the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill was reaching its third reading in the House of Commons.
Home Secretary David Blunkett reaffirmed the Government's commitment to overhaul domestic violence law, giving tougher powers to the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers. The Bill will also establish an independent commissioner for victims to give them a voice in Government.
Mr Blunkett said, 'We need to bring a change in culture by making sure that men of all generations understand and respect their partners, while supporting victims and the most vulnerable.'
The Red Road Women's Centre in Glasgow runs a safe house for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Project co-ordinator Linda Fraser said, 'In lots of cases children witness the domestic abuse and are affected by it. They can react in different ways, some display problem behaviour or bed wetting, while others demonstrate aggressive behaviour themselves toward their mothers or are clingy and protective of them.
'Babies can even sense the abuse and become clingy or jumpy. Some children only see men in an aggressive role, and that is a problem.
'It is important for children to get a break from the situation and have the chance to alleviate the stress because a lot of women choose to live with or return to an abusive partner.
'We are lucky here because we have a creche where childcare staff can work with the vulnerable children.'
* See Beatrix Campbell, p9