Community / 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.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
