history of the dwa
Dundee Women's Aid has been supporting women, children and young people who are experiencing Domestic Abuse for over 40 years.
View some of the notable events from our history below.
View our history from the 2000's (click to expand)
View our history from the 1990's (click to expand)
View our history from the 1980's (click to expand)
View our history from the 1970's (click to expand)
View some of the notable events from our history below.
2015
Joint partnership between DWA and CAB. Debt Advice Worker in post.
New refuges acquired 4 self-contained flats for single women through Home Scotland.
Domestic abuse continues to have consequences far beyond individual incidents, impacting on the nation's health and economy. Its immediate impact on adult and child victims is devastating but just as debilitating are the longer-term physical and emotional effects. Children's capacity to learn, socialise and thrive can be significantly compromised if they are living in households with abuse. Importantly, research in the past 20 years has shown that the trauma experienced by children in such households can have severe and enduring physiological and psychological effects that limit their life chances and can lead to poor health and impaired well-being.
2013
WISH worker in post (Women's Information on Security and Housing) in partnership between Dundee City Council, Dundee Women's Aid, Barnardo's Scotland & Action for Children.
2012
Whole staff team moved into Enterprise House North Lindsey Street in November 2012. Shakti Support worker started
2011
A six month pilot of MARAC. (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing) which continues.
2010
Moved premises from Reform Street to Argyle Place Thomson Street. WSS team moved from R4 to Thomson Street.
Refuge 2 - in January 2010 roof collapsed and building subsequently condemned.
2008
In April, Fairer Scotland funded the development of a Community Safety Worker within Dundee Women's Aid.
2007
Refuge spaces up to 17. Diversification continues with Prevention project, working in schools. Funding obtained for the Independent Living Skills Group enabling women to obtain a wide range of practical skills, while raising awareness and a greater understanding of domestic abuse issues.
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.
2005
Change from collective structure. First manager appointed in April. Reorganisation refuge premises to provide single women's refuge.
2004
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.
2002
A year of new projects: A Follow on and outreach project. Training on domestic abuse to agencies and groups.
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View our history from the 1990's (click to expand)
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.
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View our history from the 1980's (click to expand)
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.
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.
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.
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.
1980
"A Woman's Place" opens as a day centre in Whitfield, where a high number of women are rehoused after leaving refuge.
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View our history from the 1970's (click to expand)
1978
We open our first office, a place for women not in refuge to come to for support.
1977
We open our first refuge to the public!
1976
In November the lease is finally signed, and a permanent refuge is secured, but we still have no funding or running costs. Dundee Women's Aid's first meeting was held in the Tower building of the University of Dundee with an aim to provide 'refuge for battered women'. A refuge was set up in 1976 with donations from the public and it housed ten families - it was full within 3 days of opening.
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.
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.
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