About Lochaber Women’s Aid
Lochaber Women’s Aid is a registered charity (Scottish Charity Number: SC033484) providing specialist and confidential domestic abuse support for women, children and young people in Lochaber. We are the only service in Lochaber that provides non-judgmental advice, information and support for those affected by domestic abuse. We use our expert knowledge to raise awareness in our community and provide education as a force for change.
Affiliated with the Scottish Women’s Aid network, Lochaber Women’s Aid operates as one of 34 specialist local Women’s Aid groups. The network collectively works towards a shared vision of a Scotland that does not tolerate domestic abuse.
Providing practical & emotional support
Our vision is a world free from domestic abuse and gender inequality
We believe domestic abuse is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Women, children and young people have the right to live in safety and free from any form of abuse. Our mission is to provide practical and emotional support, information and advice to women, children and young people and raise awareness of domestic abuse in our local community.
A team of 8 women specialised in domestic abuse support
Our team comprises eight workers: three Women’s Service support workers, three Children and Young Person’s Service support workers, a Deputy Manager and a Service Manager.
Our specialist domestic abuse support workers deliver our service across Lochaber. While our office is based in Fort William, our area of work extends to communities in and around Kinlochleven and Duror to the South; Fort Augustus to the North and Mallaig to the West.
Our Organisation
We are a registered charity overseen by a voluntary board of Directors who offer strategic, HR, and fundraising support. The Care Inspectorate regulates our organisation, with access to inspection reports available on their website.
You can access our Duty of Candour report here.
FAQs
What is domestic abuse?
We define domestic abuse as a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner. Domestic abuse can encompass but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse.
Misconceptions often associate domestic abuse with physical violence, but domestic abuse is often much more than that. For many women and children who live with an abuser, their scars are not visible. Domestic abuse is a pattern of ongoing controlling behaviour that seeks to gain power and control over another person.
What support is available for women?
Our Women’s support service offers a one-to-one service for women living with or who have experienced domestic abuse. Support is service user-led and is here to assist you in making your own choices and identifying your individual priorities. We can provide practical and emotional support and are here to listen, understand and believe you
What support is available for children?
We can provide support for children and young people aged from Primary 1 to S6. We can offer support with personal health and wellbeing, relationships and understanding rights & choices. Support is child-led and confidential.
Is the support I will receive confidential?
Confidentiality and trust is an essential part of the support we offer. Any approach made to Lochaber Women’s Aid is confidential. We would only contact other agencies regarding your support if we had concerns for you, or your children’s safety.
What About Men?
Men experiencing domestic abuse can access support from several organisations in Scotland.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 for anyone affected by domestic abuse, offering confidential advice at 0800 027 1234.
AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland) specifically supports men who are experiencing domestic abuse and can be reached at 03300 949 395.
Respect Men’s Advice Line provides confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse—call them at 0808 801 0327.
Additionally, the MANKIND Initiative offers support and information for male victims of domestic abuse, and their helpline is 0808 800 1170.
