Providing a safe space for all 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. Our service is open to all women, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age or disability.
Women's Service
Flexible support to suit your needs
All support offered at Lochaber Women’s Aid is tailored to support your specific needs. Our specialist domestic abuse support workers provide a non-judgmental and person-centered service that is both confidential and accessible. Support is flexible to meet your schedule and can be given face-to-face, by telephone, or video call. Face-to-face meetings can take place in our office or outside.
Types of support we offer
Financial Support: support to ensure you are receiving the correct benefits, provide help with budgeting, provide contact with other agencies to manage your financial affairs.
Emotional Support: help to understand you are not to blame for your situation, empower you to make decisions, help in recognizing the signs of a controlling relationship, building self-esteem and confidence.
Legal support: support you to access a solicitor for legal advice, discuss any contact issues, support with attending court.
Housing Support: support you to housing appointments to discuss the options available to you, completing housing application forms.
Courses and group work for personal development
Alongside one-to-one support, we offer group work. Our Women’s Service offer groups that give our service users the opportunity to socialise and learn a new skill. Additionally, the service offers courses for personal development. Our specialist domestic abuse support workers facilitate an ‘Own My Life‘ course, which helps those affected by domestic abuse gain ownership and control in their lives, and a ‘Living Life To The Full‘ course which helps to build confidence and resilience.
FAQs
What can I expect from support?
You can expect a safe and secure space and a support worker who will listen, understand and believe you. You will be provided with practical support for finances, legalities and housing and emotional support that will help you build confidence and empower you to make decisions.
Can I bring a friend?
While we recommend support on a one-to-one basis, we understand this can be difficult. If you feel unable to come to a support session alone, you can bring a trusted friend or family member with you.
Can I bring my children to an appointment?
We understand that childcare commitments can make it difficult for you to arrange a support session. Therefore, if you are unable to arrange childcare we are happy to accommodate children at your appointment.
If a support worker contacts me, would they announce where they are phoning from?
The service we provide is highly confidential. We would only call you after making sure your number is safe and would pre-arrange so we know when is an appropriate time to call.
Will I have to go to the police?
No. Any contact made with the authorities is made on your own terms. We would be there to support you if you made that decision.
What if someone I know works at Lochaber Women's Aid?
Our service is highly confidential. When you reach out for support you can request that your information is kept from someone you may know at the service.
