About Us
Our history
Grampian Women’s Aid was founded in 1978, inspired by the Women’s Liberation Movement, with an initial focus on supporting women escaping domestic abuse and fleeing to refuge. In 2014 we developed our outreach service to support women in the community and those who did not wish to leave their homes. 2017 saw the development of our dedicated children and young persons service, providing specialist safe space for children and young people aged 4-18 years. Grampian Women’s Aid is built on grassroots feminist principles by pioneering women volunteers, our organisation is funded through donations and various fund applications, providing vital assistance to those women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
We work within a framework that acknowledges the gendered nature of domestic abuse, rooted in gender inequality, and believe that all women, children, and young people deserve to live free from abuse.
Within our awareness raising and preventative campaigns, we work closely with local and national agencies to strengthen collective efforts to end violence against women. Guided by a gendered analysis that recognises domestic abuse as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality, we promote equality and challenge the structures that enable abuse. As an integral member of two local authority Violence Against Women Partnerships, and active participants in MARAC, MATAC and DSDA forums, we collaborate to enhance safety, share best practice, and drive systemic change to support and protect those experiencing abuse.
Women and children continue to be our inspiration, forming our strategies and developing our services to combat violence against women and girls.
Our Aim/Vision
Our vision is of a fair and equal society in which women, children and young people are fully included and are free from all forms of abuse, empowered with knowledge, skills and tools to live life to their full potential.
Mission statement
“Our mission is to work towards a society that is free from domestic abuse by offering practical and emotional support, information and advice to women and children, to support them to have full enjoyment of their human rights and by raising awareness of domestic abuse and its prevalence across society.”
Our services
Our service aims to provide person centred holistic support which is underpinned by feminist gender-based analysis of domestic abuse. We understand the complex issues that exacerbate women’s needs (this list is not exhaustive); BME, No Recourse to Public Funds, Alcohol/Substance dependencies, LGBT, Mental Health, Poverty, Disability and Socioeconomic disadvantages.
- One to one practical and emotional support
- Somewhere safe to stay, either in refuge (if available) or other housing options
- Outreach support throughout Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
- Specialist Children and Young People Support
- Community Engagement
- Bespoke Safety planning
- Support to access financial advice and support
- Support to access criminal & civil legal advice and support
- Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy
- Group and Peer Support
- Own My Life Courses
Our commitment to you
- Dignity & Respect – We honour each person’s experiences and support them in a way that empowers healing and respects their choices.
- Equality – We offer support that is fair, personalised, and responsive to each person’s unique needs.
- Confidentiality – We prioritise privacy and only share information with consent, unless there is a risk of harm or abuse. Please see our Privacy Notice for more information.
- Empowerment – We support individuals in making informed choices, helping them regain control and autonomy over their lives.
- Non-Judgmental – We create a safe, welcoming space where all experiences are respected, and no one is judged.
- Empathy & Compassion – We listen with understanding and provide support that is gentle, kind, and validating.
- Dedication & Commitment – Our team is deeply committed to providing trauma-informed care that helps individuals feel safe, respected, and supported in their journey of healing.