Renfrewshire Council has passed a motion to provide specialist support for victims who are inflicted with a facial scar due to an assault.
The motion, brought forward by Cllr Robert Innes, was passed unanimously with cross party support.
It means Renfrewshire will be the first county in the UK to work with charities and organisations on providing this support to victims of facial scarring.
Councillor Innes, who is a victim of facial scarring himself, outlined his own circumstances of being assaulted with a pint glass when he was 15 – during the meeting on Thursday.
The SNP Houston, Crosslee and Linwood councillor then went on to outline the lack of support he has found in getting support with his scar and how this support should be put in place.
Cllr Robert Innes said: “Victims of permanent facial scarring suffer difficult and life-long trauma. People who suffer due to knife attacks or ‘slashing’ experience stigma and can be vilified in social and professional life due to their scarring.
“This issue means so much to me, as a victim of facial scarring due to an assault. It’s a difficult issue to talk about and I’m in a position that I can so I have. I cannot be happier to see this motion receive cross party support from my peers.
“I am keen to see the assistance and help this will provide for victims in their lives as Renfrewshire leads the way in shaping this specialist support for people who are discriminated against due to an assault they endured.”
Cllr Innes added: “Charities and organisations have been empathetic to this issue and have encouraged this move. I am keen to see collaborative work begin between the council and organisations and charities that provide support to victims.”