Stirling and District Women's Aid provides support to women and their children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. On average, we provide support to more than 300 women a year and around 60 children. We are open to all women irrespective of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, political beliefs, social background or disability.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is an attempt to gain power and control over someone you are in a relationship with, and can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial. 1 in 5 women in Scotland will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives. Most domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women and children, but this is not always the case. Our service is open to all women, including those who have experienced domestic abuse in same sex relationships and women who are transgender.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse it is not your fault, and you have the right to access services that will help you get to a safe place and begin to talk about and process what has happened. We will believe you, not judge you and allow you to take things at your own pace. We can support you in a variety of different ways including:
- Temporary refuge accommodation or support to access other safe housing
- Emotional and practical support
- Helping you get your point of view across to other services through advocacy
- Support for children and young people under the age of 18 who are affected by domestic abuse
Stirling and District Women's Aid has been in existence since 1976, initially as part of Central Region Women's Aid and then becoming an Independent Scottish Charity with our own constitution in 1977. Our first refuge accommodation was opened in April 1977 and in the following year the organisation provides temporary accommodation for 25 women and 50 children. We now provide services to many more women and children in a custom built refuge.