Publications & Resources

Scottish Women’s Aid believes that it is women in Scotland and in particular lone mothers, who will be disproportionately and negatively affected by the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms and that these reforms threaten to deepen established inequalities. We believe that gender analysis should be central to the Welfare Reform Expert Working Group’s review of work undertaken by the Scottish Government on the cost of benefit payments in an independent Scotland and the delivery of those payments in an independent Scotland. Download our response for more information.

Scottish Women’s Aid acknowledges that men do experience violence and abuse in their intimate relationships and the perpetrators can be other men or women. This paper provides an overview of the key research findings on men affected by domestic abuse, highlights some of the main areas of controversy and outlines Scottish Women’s Aid position on the issue.

Each year we carry out a review of service demand experienced by our member groups throughout Scotland. Census Day 2012 was conducted on 18 September 2012, and this year outlined the broad range of services provided for and requested by women and their families who are experiencing domestic abuse.

On the survey day, more than two thirds of service users were not in refuge, but accessed outreach services such as practical and emotional support, and general information about domestic abuse, other services and legal rights.

Where refuge accommodation was required, only 22 per cent of requests were met. Women’s Aid was unable to find safe or suitable space for two out of every three women.

Download the full report for more information.

 

Every year, we undertake a survey with our members to look at their funding situation and what this means in real terms. This year (1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012) we found that almost a third of Women’s Aid groups (30%) had to make cuts to their services as a result of reduced funding.

This booklet outlines the vital work that women's aid in Scotland does, and how domestic abuse impacts on women,children and young people. 

Coercive control is a term developed by Evan Stark to help us understand domestic abuse as more than a "fight". It is a pattern of behaviour which seeks to take away the victim’s liberty or freedom, to strip away their sense of self. It is not just women’s bodily integrity which is violated but also their human rights. Download our briefing paper to find out more. 

A report written by Professor Rachel Pain for Scottish Women's Aid and the Centre for Social Justice and Community Resources at Durham University. The research suggests that domestic abuse can be considered a form of terrorism, creating long lasting fear and trauma and impacting on wider aspects of society as well the individual.

Report of SWA's activities including training, partnerships, support to local groups, policy development, campaigns and research for the financial year which ended in March 2011.

On the 20th of September 2011, Women's Aid groups across Scotland took part in our third 24hour census to identify how many women, children and young people were supported on that day, in refuge or through outreach services, across Scotland.