Women’s Aid wants to hear about difficulties of accessing legal support in the islands

SHETLAND Women’s Aid is asking victims of domestic abuse to share their experiences of accessing legal support in the islands.

First hand experiences are being collated by the local organisation to support Scottish Women’s Aid make the case for more equal access to legal services wherever people live in Scotland.

Island specific obstacles for people experiencing domestic abuse were highlighted in the Scottish Parliament earlier this month when Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart led a debate on the issue.

Island victims of domestic abuse disadvantaged by justice system

Shetland Women’s Aid service manager Laura Stronach said the charity would like to hear about women’s experiences of accessing legal support, and particularly anything specific to their location on an island or rural community.

This includes issues such as the main barriers to accessing legal services, the main challenges with the quality of services received, but also examples of what worked well and had a positive impact.

“We’d like to hear from anyone with experience of domestic abuse and trying to access legal services,” Stronach said.

“We can accept messages, voice notes, emails, face-to-face meeting, or whatever suits you to engage in this process.

“If you have experienced domestic abuse or have been affected by gender-based violence or want to contribute to our project to improve women’s access to legal services, please contact:
Shetland Women’s Aid
Phone: 01595 692070
Email: office@shetlandwa.org
Message us on our Facebook page.”

There is also a contact page on the charity’s website.

Shetland Women’s Aid has until 5 February to submit local responses.