CAMPAIGNERS have called on the people of Clydebank “to fight to protect women’s right to safety and to demand accountability of those who should have protected them,” as Clydebank Women’s Aid stands on the brink of closure.

The organisation, which has supported women to escape domestic violence and rebuild their lives since 1981, faces being wound up after over a decade of real-terms cuts to its budgets.

Despite the West Dumbartonshire Council area having Scotland’s second-highest rate of domestic violence, with recorded incidents growing by a staggering 116 per cent since 2019-20, core funding has remained static at £125,000 since 2009. This represents an effective cut of 64.3 per cent since 2006-7.

According to Clydebank Women Supporting Women, the final blow to the collective came in the form of a £42,000 cut in income from the council’s housing department’s spend on “tenancy sustainment.”

In a statement calling for the organisation to be saved, Clydebank Women Supporting Women said: “The loss of this service is insurmountable.

“Not only will women and children’s lives be put at risk but perpetrators will be emboldened by the fact that women will have nowhere to escape to.”

Referring to an email to one campaigner in which Labour council leader Martin Rooney called the looming closure “their decision,” the group said: “Not only is this a complete lack of responsibility but we believe it is in an attempt to deflect attention away from decisions they have made. 

“Our elected representatives and council officers are charged with the protection of our community and, in relation to violence against women, it is our opinion that they have failed, not just in relation to the closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid but also in responding to violence against women in general.

“We call on the community of West Dunbartonshire to fight to protect women’s right to safety and to demand accountability of those who should have protected them.”

A West Dumbartonshire Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling domestic abuse and, alongside our own work on this issue, have supported Clydebank Women’s Aid for many years, including providing £125,000 annual funding and covering rental charges.

“While the charity’s decision to close is disappointing, supporting victims of domestic abuse remains our priority. All previously committed funding will continue for the purpose it was intended.”