A WOMEN'S health project is improving housing support for females who have experienced domestic abuse in Fife.

This type of abuse is linked closely to repeat homelessness and has a significant impact on women and children’s health and wellbeing.

That's why the Women’s Health Improvement Research (WHIR) Project, together with Fife Housing Partnership, is looking to ensure the right support is available to reduce homelessness.

Nationally, 11 per cent of homeless people find themselves in this situation because of a dispute within the household: violent or abusive.

Last year, there were 4,436 incidents of domestic abuse and 944 sexual crimes in Fife reported to Police Scotland.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in reports of domestic abuse across Scotland.

Councillor Judy Hamilton, convener of the communities and housing services committee, said: “We recognise that sexual and domestic abuse isn’t exclusive to women. However, as national research shows, it’s generally the woman and children who leave the home following this type of abuse.

"The project has focused on staff having conversations earlier, as good housing advice at an early stage can help reduce homelessness.

"It’s important that we provide a range of options to ensure that women and children are safe but also, where possible, to enable them to stay in the family home.

"It’s important that we present women with options wherever possible and support them to make decisions – having options is empowering.

"We have been developing practical solutions to help women sustain their settled living situation.”

Further information can be found on www.fife.gov.uk or www.fifehousingregister.org.uk/advice-domestic-abuse