About Women's Aid

Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps an average of over 250,000 women and children every year. They work to end violence against women and children, and support over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country.

Women's Aid grew out of the women's liberation movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. As women came together, the issue of violence in the home as well as other forms of sexual and interpersonal violence to women became highlighted.

The first Women's Aid federation was set up in 1974, providing practical and emotional support as part of a range of services to women and children experiencing violence.

Women's Aid believes that everyone has a right to live in safety and to have a future without fear.

They recognise that:
Women and children have a right to live their lives free from all forms of violence and abuse, and society has a duty to recognise and defend this right.

Domestic violence is a violation of women and children’s human rights. It’s the result of an abuse of power and control, and is rooted in the historical status of women in the family and in society

Their aims are to:
* Empower women who have been affected by domestic violence
* Meet the needs of children affected by domestic violence
* Provide services run by women which are based on listening to survivors
* Challenge the disadvantages which result from domestic violence
* Support and reflect diversity and promote equality of opportunity
* Promote cohesive inter-agency responses to domestic violence and develop partnerships