Scottish Women's Aid Census Day Results

26 October 2011

On 20th September, 36 of our 38 members throughout Scotland took part in the third 24-hour Census Day survey. This 24-hour snap-shot records the demand for and provision of help and support to women, children, and young people who experience domestic abuse – in just one day.  This day is not unusual or unique…it is just like any other day in Scotland.

In just one day, 839 women and 428 children and young people (cyp) got information and support to help them deal with the impact of domestic abuse, understand their options, and plan for a safer future.

  • to get safe housing, legal protection, health care
  • to learn about their legal rights, options and services available to them
  • to regain control of their lives
  • to enrol in a new school, make new friends
  • to start understanding why and how someone they loved would do this to them
  • to begin to feel safe
  • to begin thinking about a future free from abuse

In just one day, 105 women contacted Women’s Aid for the very first time. 

In just one day, 49 cyp were supported by Women’s Aid workers for the first time.  73 cyp received help even though their mums were not in contact with Women’s Aid – primarily through school and community-based activities (e.g., drop-ins, school awareness-raising events and prevention activities – provided by Women’s Aid.)

Just like any other day, 67% of the women, children, and young people who received support were not living in refuge, but accessed support through Women’s Aid drop-in, outreach, and follow-on services delivered in local communities.

In just one day, 54 women and their 51 children needed refuge – a safe place to stay;  31% (17 women and 24 cyp) found safety in a refuge that day, but 1 out of every 3 women (37%) were turned away due to lack of refuge space.  Most of these women and their children were able to find someplace else to stay temporarily – with a friend or family member, in temporary local authority accommodation, or in a homeless hostel – until safe refuge space was available.   5 women (3 cyp) had no option but to stay where they were.


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