What we offer
- Support
- Someone to talk to
- Information on legal rights/housing
- Benefits advice
If we do not have the information you need we can get it for you.
We also provide:
- One-to-one counselling and telephone counselling.
- Safe accommodation and support for women and their children who need to move from their own home.
- Support for women and children who have left mainland refuge and returned to the Western Isles.
About us
Western Isles Women’s Aid is an independent service for women and their children who are escaping from domestic abuse.
There are 39 Women’s Aid groups in Scotland. This network is supported by Scottish Women’s Aid which undertakes national work, such as campaigning, education and training. Women’s Aid in Scotland have a national children’s office to focus on the needs of the children and abused women.
Working together until women and children are safe
WHAT IS DOMESTIC ABUSE?
Physical abuse includes- Hitting, slapping, burning, kicking, strangulation, using a weapon such as a knife, all types of physical attacks, starvation. Sexual abuse can include- Rape, enforced engagement in pornography, prostitution, enforced pregnancy, sexual humiliation, enforced sexual acts, withdrawal of contraception. Mental and emotional abuse can include – Threats, you
WHAT CAUSES DOMESTIC ABUSE?
Abusers choose to behave violently to get what they want and gain control. Their behaviour often originates from a sense of entitlement which is often supported by sexist, racist, homophobic and other discriminatory attitudes. Domestic violence against women by men is ’caused’ by the misuse of power and control within
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, in any emergency – dial 999. If you feel you need to get out immediately (ideally with your children) call a friend, support agency or Western Isles Women’s Aid. Ways to protect yourself Here are some practical ideas of how you can protect
Women's Aid is here for you
‘Do You See Her’ is a powerful short film that shows us that domestic abuse happens to all women of all ages.
1 in 5 women accessing domestic abuse services has been experiencing abuse for over 10 years.
Domestic abuse can happen to #anywoman
Survivors’ Forum
The Survivors’ Forum is a safe space for you to discuss your thoughts and experiences with other women survivors of abuse.