News

The first study of its kind into forced marriages and domestic abuse among ethnic minority groups is to be carried out in Glasgow.

Hermat Gryffe Women's Aid, a Scotland-wide support group for women from ethnic minorities, is to receive £70,000 from Glasgow City Council social work department and Strathclyde Police to research the scale of the problem.

The group itself deals with more than 1,000 women a year from ethnic minority groups but suspects a high level of under-reporting generally.

Famida Ali, development worker for Hermat Gryffe Women's Aid, said: "We know that while it takes abused white women on average seven to eight years before they contact someone for help, it takes Asian women much longer. We do not have true figures on the scale of the abuse."

James Andrews, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, said: "Language barriers often make it difficult for ethnic minority women, especially older ones, to leave abusive relationships."

Dr Mairead Tagg, of Greater Easterhouse Women's Aid, said: "Some women are terrorised, not only by their husband but also by members of his extended family."