Fife Women’s Aid have hosted a visit by local MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife, Peter Grant, who dropped in to hear about the services they offer to women experiencing domestic abuse across Fife.

Fife Women’s Aid (FWA) provide comprehensive support to women who have been affected by any kind of domestic abuse, including access to refuge accommodation and assistance with re-housing. They will provide emotional support and practical advice in complete confidence whether or not a woman is ready to leave her partner. The service also helps children and young people whose lives have been impacted by domestic abuse.

Peter Grant MP was keen to help FWA raise awareness of this widespread yet often hidden issue and to promote the support available to women living in his constituency and across Fife.

Commenting following his visit to FWA’s office in Glenrothes, Peter Grant MP said:

“Fife Women’s Aid provide a critical service to women experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse. Often the abuse is psychological and therefore the signs are not necessarily visible or immediately identifiable, but that doesn’t make it any less damaging. No woman should ever have to put up with an abusive partner, although I appreciate that asking for help can be hugely difficult for anyone in that situation.

“I was impressed with the level of support on offer at FWA and with the empathy and professionalism of the team there. I would encourage any woman, child or young person affected by domestic abuse to contact FWA. It’s so important that we ensure people know that there is help available so we can help prevent lives from being devastated by this vicious crime.”

Commenting, Joy Patrick, Manager of Fife Women’s Aid said:

“We were very pleased to have Peter Grant visit us to find out more about the services that we offer throughout Fife. Although the current economic climate continues to make a very challenging environment for voluntary organisations, (and funding continues to be precarious and reducing), FWA is committed to supporting women and children in Fife by providing refuge accommodation, support, group work, information, advocacy, counselling, befriending, family work and court support, as well as a dedicated 24/7 out-of-hours service.

“Domestic abuse occurs in all age groups, all social classes as well as all ethnic, cultural and language groups. This is evidenced in the recent figures provided by Police Scotland - Fife in that they recorded 4425 incidents over the last year. As we know, domestic abuse is hugely unreported and this, we believe, is just the tip of the iceberg.

“If you need someone to talk to please call us on our Freephone number 0808 802 5555 any time of day or night.”

See www.fifewomensaid.org.uk for further information.