The Women's Aid Groups fought to open and then have had to fight to remain afloat, against cultural disapproval, disinterest and downright misogyny. Clydebank Women's Aid was no different. In 1992 there was a campaign, when the groups funding was once again threatened. 

What is astounding about this campaign was the support shown across the Women's Aid groups, which were still collectives at that time, and other individuals and organisations, some of which we have also lost. As always the women who used the service rallied to support the service to continue to others.

It is interesting that in 2025, Councillors report not receiving any emails, telephone calls or letters raising concerns about the loss of the group, although we are aware of at least one group who contacted a Councillor. This is not an excuse, however, both council officers and Councillors are aware of the needs of the community. Choices are being made.

We have to ask ourselves, have we got used to funding being threatened and being grateful for the crumbs that are thrown to continue the service, relying on the goodwill and commitment of workers, often resulting in ill health, or have we just given up? The last 10 years have been a challenge for the violence against women sector across Scotland. The drive to force groups to abandon the essential collective working, conditions attached to funding and lack of capacity, meaning the cultural change we all fought for is abandoned to provide basic crisis services to the most vulnerable women and children, seem to have taken their toll. This is bad news for everyone not just women and children.

Below are the letters to Clydebank District Council, as it was then, protesting at the lack of financial and Strategic support.