ON Thursday 10th March, at the Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh, Scottish Women’s Aid will launch Changing Lives: Outcome Evaluation of Women’s Aid Support Services in Scotland, a research report which examines the difference Women’s Aid makes to the lives of women who have experienced domestic abuse.
Says a spokesperson: “Four hundred women from across Scotland participated in the research. They talked about how Women’s Aid support is a lifeline – vital to getting their lives back, rebuilding their identity, confidence, and self-worth.
“Women who experience domestic abuse have a wide range of complex support needs.
“Women’s Aid groups help women with practical concerns, including access to solicitors, help with re-housing, benefits applications and support with safety planning.
“They also support women to deal with the emotional impact of the abuse
“The research shows how Women’s Aid’s unique approach to meeting a woman’s individual needs can have a significant positive impact on her life.
“Women say that Women’s Aid support is a lifeline and vital to getting their lives back; to rebuilding their identity, confidence, and self-worth.”
One woman who had lived with years of abuse said:
“I have got myself almost back. I have gained my self-confidence, my self-esteem, motivation, happiness, and above all my life and self-control back. I am a free woman.”
ENDS
For more information contact: Lydia Okroj on lydia.okroj@scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Tel: 07882 509818
Notes to editors:
1. The seminar to launch the research will take place at the Storytelling Centre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, starting at 11am, Thursday 10th March 2011.
2. A copy of Changing Lives: Outcome Evaluation of Women’s Aid Support Services in Scotland is available on our website http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
3. Scottish Women’s Aid is the national organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. We aim to improve policy and practice in response to domestic abuse, improve outcomes for women and children who experience domestic abuse and ultimately reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse in Scotland.
4. Our members are 40 local Women’s Aid groups across Scotland providing refuge and support to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
5. Over 100 women approach Women’s Aid groups in Scotland for the first time each day.
6. 61 per cent of local Women’s Aid groups had their funding cut last year. Secure funding is needed to ensure Women’s Aid services can continue to provide good quality support services to women, children, and young people who experience domestic abuse.
CONTACT:
Scottish Womens Aid
2nd Floor
132 Rose Street
Edinburgh
EH2 3JD
http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
contact@scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Tel: 0131 226 6606
Fax: 0131 226 2996
Scottish Womens Aid Charity No SC001099. Recognised as a charitable organisation by the Inland Revenue in Scotland.
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Contact: Lydia Okroj
Phone: 07882 509818
Email: Lydia Okroj on lydia.okroj@scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Website: http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
