Violence against women

Tackling domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women

'The phrase violence against women and girls is used to describe violent and abusive behaviour directed at women and girls because they are women and girls. It is behaviour which is carried out predominantly by men. It is an abuse of power and stems from systemic, deep-rooted women’s inequality. VAWG limits women’s and girls’ freedom and potential and is a fundamental violation of human rights.' - Scottish Government 2023

We take these issues very seriously and have formed the North Lanarkshire Violence Against Women Strategic Group in order to address them.

The group brings together statutory and voluntary organisations which have an important role to play in tackling domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women.

We aim to deliver the national approach as detailed in Equally Safe - Scotland's Strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls at a local level and are currently implementing the North Lanarkshire Violence Against Women Strategy. The national strategy, released in 2023 by the Scottish Government and COSLA, clearly places the root cause of violence against women being gender inequality.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, you can seek help and support at:

• Rape Crisis National Helpline - 08088 01 03 02
• Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 027 1234
• Men's Advice Line (for men experiencing domestic abuse) - 0808 801 0327
• Respect Phone Line (help for people who are abusing their partners) - 0808 802 4040
• Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre - 01698 527003
• Aura - 01698 757667
• Shakti Women’s Aid – 0131 475 2399
• Amina, The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre – 0808 801 030
• Women's Aid:
  • Monklands Women’s Aid – 01236 432061
  • Motherwell and District Women’s Aid – 01698 321000
  • Cumbernauld and District Women's Aid – 01236 730992