First helpline for women suffering economic abuse launched

Scotland’s first confidential helpline for women suffering economic abuse has been launched.

The Purple Phone Helpline is for victims and survivors of economic abuse, providing them with advice and helping them to recover.

Run by a charity called Financially Included, it will offer guidance on issues like safe bank accounts, access to benefits and coerced debt – where someone has been forced to take on debt by an abusive partner.

Earlier this year, women’s aid organisations urged MSPs to ensure that those leaving abusive relationships have access to comprehensive financial and legal advice.

The helpline is part of an economic abuse pilot project supported by Scottish Government funding.

Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan said: “Financially Included’s pioneering Purple Phone Helpline will be an invaluable source of advice to women across Scotland who need help to escape or recover from economic abuse.

“Tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms is one of our key priorities, with investment of £21.6 million this year through the Delivering Equally Safe fund, to support specialist services like Financially Included, making a real difference to women’s lives.”

Amber Cully, Project manager at Financially Included, said: “Through this partnership, we will deliver training on recognising and responding to economic abuse, provide a second-tier advice service for frontline workers supporting victim-survivors.

“Using additional funding from the Scottish Government this year, we are expanding our work nationally, with East Renfrewshire the first area to commit to working with us in this way.

“Our vision is to grow this into a Scotland-wide network, ensuring a consistent, sustainable and trauma-informed response for victim-survivors across the country.”

The Purple Phone Helpline number is 0343 841 0132. It is open Monday 4.30pm to 7.30pm, Wednesday 10am to 1pm and Thursday 1.30pm to 4.30pm.