Why does she stay? Why doesn’t she leave him?

FRIENDS and family of women experiencing domestic abuse can sometimes find it hard to understand why a woman chooses to stay with an abuser. The fact of the matter is that, in many instances, she doesn’t have a choice.

Eighty-nine per cent of women who experience domestic abuse are also subjected to financial abuse. Like physical and emotional abuse, financial abuse can take many forms.

However, in practical terms it can mean that women are not allowed access to household finances. Or, if they are, their financial activities are severely monitored and controlled by their partner. Fifty-seven per cent of women stayed in an abusive relationship because they were denied financial independence. In simple terms, they do not have enough money to flee the family home.

‘Domestic abuse and financial abuse often go hand in hand. It’s a common tactic for abusers to control every aspect of a women’s life including her money, often right down to the very last penny. For a life free from domestic abuse it is crucial that women are able to control their own finances, and it’s equally critical that governments facilitate this. Our work to eliminate domestic abuse is impossible if we live in a society where women are economically unequal,’ said Marsha Scott of Scottish Women’s Aid. For those who may receive social security for a proportion of their income, the opportunity for financial abuse may be worsened with the introduction of Universal Credit. Recently, Citizen’s Advice Scotland, along with 24 Scottish charities, wrote to Westminster calling for a halt to the roll out of Universal Credit. Lochaber Women’s Aid is hosting an evening at Kilmallie Free Church, Caol where it will explore recent changes to the benefit system and what the changes may mean for women and children.

This will also include an exploration of how recent reform to the State Pension has worsened the situation for women, thereby eroding their financial independence.

‘Many women remain unaware that they will be adversely affected by the changes to the state pension,’ said Deirdre Coull, chairwoman of Lochaber Women’s Aid. ‘So, we are especially pleased to welcome Ian Blackford MP to talk about WASPI, a women’s campaign which is seeking to address some of the inequalities brought about by pension reforms. We are hoping that this evening will help in making women aware of their rights.’

Part of the evening will also look at the barriers to benefits for eastern European women and offer advice on their rights.

Admission is free and no booking is required. Refreshments will be available on arrival.

To find out more telephone 01397 705734.