Three-way partnership creates Scottish Women's Rights Centre

A body describing itself as the first specialist legal advice service for Scottish survivors of gender-based violence has been launched today.

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC), a partnership project between Rape Crisis Scotland, the University of Strathclyde and the Legal Services Agency, aims to ensure that women in Scotland who have or are experiencing gender-based violence are able to access timely and appropriate legal advice and information.

SWRC will run a helpline, staffed by volunteers from the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic, for legal information and advice on any aspect of gender-based violence, and plans to develop a network of pro bono solicitors to offer drop-in services in rape crisis centres across Scotland.

Funding from the Scottish Legal Aid Board will cover the costs of a full time solicitor for the Centre, be based within the Legal Services Agency and providing free legal advice and representation. The Centre also receives funding from Foundation Scotland to cover the costs of a part time coordinator.

Formally launching the new Centre, Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs, said: "The helpline being introduced today, backed by £215,000 of Scottish Government funding and administered by the Scottish Legal Aid Board, will provide vital access to advice and high quality legal assistance for those affected by these horrendous crimes."

He added: "Victims' organisations, including Rape Crisis Scotland, play an invaluable role in supporting victims in the aftermath of these horrendous crimes, and I am so grateful to them for their hard work, along with the University of Strathclyde and the Legal Services Agency, in setting up this helpline to further strengthen the services for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.”

Rape Crisis Scotland spokeswoman Sandy Brindley commented: “Women in Scotland who have experienced rape, domestic abuse or any other form of violence against women need access to free, specialist legal advice and support.

“This could be to help make them aware of their rights to protective orders in cases of domestic abuse and/or stalking, advice on housing and welfare issues, or responding to queries about their role as a witness following the report of a rape or sexual assault.

“We are delighted to be involved in the development of this exciting new service, which we believe will make a significant difference to the lives of women in Scotland.”

Colin Lancaster, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Policy and Development at the Scottish Legal Aid Board, said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government is funding this project providing legal advice and representation to women affected by a wide range of issues related to gender-based violence.

“This, along with the projects we manage delivering money and debt advice to women affected by domestic abuse under the Making Advice Work programme, will contribute to our key aim of improving access to justice.”

Opening today (22 April), the SWRC helpline will run every Wednesday from 1.30-4.30pm, at 08088 010 789.