Clydebank Women’s Aid officially closed in August.
A West Dunbartonshire women’s refuge has officially closed its doors after more than 40 years of operations.
Clydebank Women’s Aid shut last month, with the collective running the centre saying they were devastated at the decision.
The move comes as West Dunbartonshire continues to have the second highest rate of domestic abuse in Scotland.
In a statement, the charity wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid.
“After many years of tireless dedication, we are no longer in a position to provide the support that women, children, and young people in our community need and, more importantly, deserve. For over four decades, Clydebank Women’s Aid has been more than just a service — it has been our passion, our purpose, our identity, and our lives. This decision has not been made lightly, and we are devastated that it has come to this.
“Despite the hardships faced in recent years, we have worked relentlessly to keep the service running - driven by an unwavering belief in the value and necessity of Women’s Aid services. We feel privileged that women, children and young people have trusted us with their experiences at a time when they were most vulnerable. Their experiences, courage and resilience not only shaped and strengthened our service but galvanised and motivated us. We hope the women, children and young people we have supported over the years know how much they have touched each of our lives.
“We hope this stark reality is recognised and reflected in the way women’s Aid services are funded and supported. Women, children and young people in Clydebank deserve fully funded, specialist Women’s Aid services that recognise the scale and impact of domestic abuse has on their lives. They deserve support that is consistent — not services struggling to survive on insecure funding. No woman should be left without support because a vital service couldn’t afford to continue. Sustainable investment isn’t optional — it’s a necessity.”
