01382 202525
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0797 172 7068
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| Herstory |
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1974: Dundee Women's Liberation Group disbands and the first tentative contacts are made with other agencies and individuals who might be interested in helping to set up a Women's Aid refuge. Our first public meeting 17th October 1974. 1975: Dundee Corporation agrees in principle to finding a refuge. A temporary refuge is opened, but neighbours tip rubbish all over the garden as a mark of disapproval. Dundee hosts the first conference of Scottish Women's Aid groups, 8 groups attend along with Rebecca & Russell Dobash. 1976: In November the lease is finally signed, and a permanent refuge is secured, but we still have no funding or running costs. 1977: We open our first refuge to the public! 1978: We open our first office, a place for women not in refuge to come to for support. 1980: "A Woman's Place" opens as a day centre in Whitfield, where a high number of women are rehoused after leaving refuge. 1981: The Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) Act is passed. It gives new power to women experiencing abuse under the law, by offering them the choice of whether or not to stay in their homes. 1983: Dundee Women's Aid moves towards a better structure to work collectively in order to promote a more equal and constructive working relationship among workers. Nationally it is decided to rename volunteers as unpaid workers to stress the true value and work of these dedicated women. 1984: Dundee Rape Crisis, initiated by Dundee Women's Aid, becomes autonomous. There is a Dundee Women for Peace trip to Greenham Common to be involved in rallies, demonstrations and celebrations. 1985: We open an office in the centre of the city at West Bell Street. Through publicity and more central premises, a greater number of women contact us for support. 1986: A Culdion group is set up in Dundee with a view to acquiring a site in the city which will provide long term housing for women who wish to live communally with other women and children who have experienced abuse. 1987: Our second refuge is bought for us by a Quaker family. We move to a new central office, and host the national conference - the theme is "New Beginnings". 1990: Refuge 2 opens at last, following extensive refurbishment. Dundee District Council also identifies a property for our third refuge, with the plan to open it in the spring of 1991. However, due to the demand on refuge spaces we have to open before Christmas of this year. 1991: COSLA report recommends funding for Women's Aid should be sufficient to provide a minimum of one refuge space per 7500 of population. 1994: "Hit Or Miss Report", published by Tayside Women and Violence Group, Tayside Regional Council, highlights the lack of knowledge of the prevalence of domestic abuse and that services provided are at best inconsistent. 1997: "Hitting Home", a report on police response to domestic abuse, by HMIC in Scotland, also identifies the inconsistency of response. A number of valid recommendations emanate from this report. The Dundee Domestic Abuse Forum holds its first meeting, bringing together a wide range of organisations to provide multi-agency support to women experiencing abuse. 1998: The Scottish Partnership is set up by the central government to bring together, at a national level, key organisations to develop policy and strategies for improved delivery of services to women and children. 1999: First Scottish Parliament brings higher profile for action on domestic abuse. Commitment to increasing refuge spaces, producing national strategy. 2002: A year of new projects:
Reached 16 refuge spaces with opening of New Refuge - block of 7 two-bed roomed flats. Improved financial stability as support work at last recognised through the Supporting People Fund. 2005: Change from collective structure. First manager appointed in April. Reorganisation refuge premises to provide single women's refuge. 2006: Children and Young People experiencing domestic abuse made their voices heard through the 'Listen Louder' campaign co-ordinated by Scottish Women's Aid) results in Scottish Executive funding to increase the service provision to children and young people . Animation Video "Secrets" produced by the DWACL's Children and Young People Joint work with Pure Media results in publication of service users poetry. More diversification: outreach work to communities in Dundee, and also Angus through joint working with Angus WA. 2007: Refuge spaces up to 18. Diversification continues with Prevention project - working in schools. |
Dundee Womens Aid
61 Reform Street
Dundee
DD1 1SP
Crisis Line 01382 202525
Text: 07971 727 068
Business/Fax: 01382 226390
Email: dwa@dundeewomensaid.co.uk
Designed & Implemented by Chris McAndrew with the help of Dundee Womens Aid 2007