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PRESS RELEASE: Legal service expanded to support survivors of gender based violence in the North of Scotland

Starting this November, the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) has launched two monthly legal surgeries for women living in the North of Scotland who have experienced abuse or violence.

The surgeries are located in Dundee and Inverness at local Women’s Aids groups and they are available by appointment once a month on a Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

This service gives women and support professionals the opportunity to meet with an SWRC solicitor, ask specific questions about their case and get tailored legal advice.

The launch comes as part of the SWRC’s recent expansion and it is a step to reach women located in remote areas of Scotland who might face barriers to accessing legal representation after experiencing gender based violence.

The Centre also offers surgeries in Edinburgh, Forth Valley, Glasgow and Lanarkshire.

Women can book an appointment by contacting the surgery directly: https://www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/surgeries/.

Lyndsay Monaghan, SWRC Solicitor said:

“We are delighted for our expansion into the North of Scotland. We understand that there are barriers to accessing justice specifically associated with living in remote areas. It is our hope that by expanding the scope of our service we will be able to reach women living in the North of Scotland who are struggling to find legal advice and support.”

Mary Miller, manager of Dundee Women’s Aid said:

“Dundee Women’s Aid looks forward to hosting such an important service as the SWRC which will help women in Dundee and the surrounding areas to access excellent specialised legal advice which will improve their lives by maximising their rights under the law.”

Elaine Fetherston, Executive Manager of Inverness Women’s Aid said:

“We’re excited to be working with the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre on the roll-out of legal surgeries in Highland. Getting legal advice can be a significant challenge for women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. By hosting these sessions in our premises, the advice is being brought to them and that will make a real difference.”

ENDS

About the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre was launched in 2015 as a collaboration between Rape Crisis Scotland, JustRight Scotland and the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic.

The Centre provides free legal information, advice, representation and advocacy support to women in Scotland who have experienced or are experiencing gender based violence.

Notes to editors:

• The surgeries are open monthly as follows:
• Dundee (Tuesdays, 11am to 2pm)
• Inverness (Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm).
• For more information, visit: www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/surgeries.

Press contact: Natalia Equihua, communications@scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk.