John Swinney has said he is not confident “current resourcing is adequate” to match the growing demand at Rape Crisis centres.
The First Minister was questioned at the Scottish Parliament’s Conveners Group on Wednesday for the first time since his re-election in May.
Criminal Justice Committee convener David Linden told Mr Swinney Rape Crisis and other organisations have told of increasing demand for the services they provide.
“How confident are you that the levels of resource match the scale of the challenge?” Mr Linden asked.
Mr Swinney responded: “We increased the budget for (Government strategy) Equally Safe by 5% in this budget round, but I am conscious… that we are facing acute pressures on many of these services.
“The Government is currently exploring some of the challenges that are faced by organisations, essentially to enable them to meet the test that if a woman requires support she should be able to receive support, and in some circumstances today that is more difficult for that to be accomplished because of the limitations of services because of resources.
“I am not confident that the current resourcing is adequate for the requirements we have to tackle this issue.”
His comments came after Rape Crisis Scotland said it is operating at “around 60% funding” after receiving less than requested in the Scottish Government budget.
Speaking at the Criminal Justice Committee last week, Nicola Love of Rape Crisis Scotland was asked by Mr Linden about Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis centre’s request for an extra £500,000 in 2026-27 to maintain current service levels.
Mr Linden asked if this was an accurate financial picture across the service nationally.
Ms Love said: “If you’re looking at services, whether it be Glasgow or the rest of Scotland, that have only faced increased demand since then, then yeah it’s really obvious there’s not enough there.”
Mr Linden asked what the consequences would be if Rape Crisis Scotland does not receive support.
Ms Love said: “Survivors do not have the support that they need to access the justice system.”