In this section:
In recent years, thanks to the commitment of agencies and organisations working throughout the City to combat violence against women, there is increased awareness of gender-based violence. It is predominantly men who are the perpetrators and women who are the victims of sexual and physical violence. It is recognised that violence has a significant impact on women's physical and mental health, and that there are connections between the different forms of abuse, such as rape, sexual assault and prostitution.
Women from all walks of life can be the victims of domestic violence. There is no distinction between class, ethnic background, religion or race.
The Health Service wants to promote good health and emotional wellbeing through support and prevention strategies, as well as responding to poor health. In Glasgow it is estimated that 20,000 women are affected by severe domestic abuse, and that another 40,000 - 60,000 will experience violence from a male partner at some time.
These are considerable and varied, often including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, unwanted or difficult pregnancies, chronic physical symptoms, physical injuries and suicide attempts. Children who witness abuse may experience a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. They may be at risk from abuse themselves, this will often have an effect on them into adulthood and for the rest of their lives.
Many women experiencing abuse seek help from organisations such as Women's Aid and Rape Crisis, where they receive understanding and support from dedicated, trained workers in a confidential and non-judgemental setting. In a desperate situation, it is essential that women have access to the wide range of help and advice available as quickly and easily as possible. By bringing together information on all the front line agencies and institutions like Housing, Social Work and Legal Services, this user-friendly website will enable women to identify the help they need, and so help empower them to break free from violence from men inside and outside of their homes.
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The Sandyford Initiative provides a range of services for women (and men), within a gender-sensitive setting. Resources are available within the Sandyford Library and Information Services, which may be of benefit to workers professional development.
There is a range of resources on counselling, violence & abuse, eating disorders, self-esteem, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgendered) issues, self-harm.
The Centre for Women's Health Reference Library holds an Archive Collection on the history of the Centre, the development of the Women's Health Policy, and the Social Model of health. There is also a database of useful groups and organisations. We also have a collection of reports, documents, etc.
Information on the full range of services is available by visiting www.sandyford.org
Visit pages about Sandyford that we provide on this site for women & those supporting women.
More information on the Link Midwife Project: Domestic Abuse
FAQ section coming soon
