Reducing violence and abuse for people in Aberdeen is a priority for Aberdeen City Council, NHS Grampian, Police Scotland and other partners. We work together to prevent and eradicate any form of violence and abuse, to help victims to get support and to identify people who may be at risk.
What is Violence Against Women?
The Scottish Government defines violence against women and girls as a range of actions that harm or cause suffering to women and children. These include but are not limited to:
- physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family, general community or institutions. This includes domestic abuse, rape, incest and child sexual abuse.
- Sexual harassment and intimidation at work and in public
- Commercial sexual exploitation including prostitution, pornography and trafficking
- So called ‘ honour-based’ abuse or harmful practices, including dowry-related violence, female genital mutilation, forced and child marriages and ‘honour’ crimes.
Violence against women is rooted in gender inequality, where societal norms perpetuate power imbalances and harmful stereotypes. This leads to the normalisation of violence and limits women's ability to seek help or leave abusive situations. To combat this, we must address the underlying causes of gender inequality and promote equal rights and opportunities for all genders. Intersecting factors such as race, class, and sexuality, exacerbate the marginalisation and vulnerability experienced by certain groups of women.
Aberdeen Violence Against Women Partnership
The Violence Against Women Partnership is a multi-agency forum which takes the lead to co-ordinate and develop local responses to tackle violence and abuse against women and girls in all of its forms. The work of the Violence Against Women Partnership reflects the aims of Equally Safe: Scotland's Strategy for Preventing and Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls as well as contributing to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan in raising aspirations, building a better future for children and young people, empowering and connecting communities as well as addressing the behaviour of perpetrators.
Contact details
Lucy Simpson
Development Officer/ Violence Against Women Partnership Lead
Email: violenceagainstwomen@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Domestic Abuse Support Database
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out to a local domestic abuse organisation. There are a range of domestic abuse services in Aberdeen that can provide non-judgemental advice, emotional support and practical solutions. Click on the button below to find the right service for you.