Hamilton the venue for legal service launch

A new national service offering free legal information and advice to survivors of gender-based violence has been launched.

Christine McKelvie takes part in an anti-violence event in Edinburgh with Marco Biagi

The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) is a partnership project between Rape Crisis Scotland, the Legal Services Agency and The University of Strathclyde Law Clinic.

It is funded until September 2016 by the Scottish Government through the Scottish legal Aid Board and by Foundation Scotland until 2017.

The project is overseen by a specialist Advisory Group.

In partnership with Doorway in South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Violence Against Women Partnership and the Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre, the SWRC is launching a free, weekly surgery for women survivors across the Lanarkshire area on Wednesday, October 7 at 11am in the Banqueting Hall, South Lanarkshire Council, Hamilton.

MSP Christina McKelvie will launch the event, while Katy Mathieson, Co-ordinator for the SWRC and Jennifer Dalziel the appointed solicitor, will both speak about the service and how it will help women who are affected by gender based violence.

Anne McGuire centre manager said: “This is a much-needed service that will greatly benefit many women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic or sexual abuse.

“The service provides an opportunity for them to gain initial information about their rights and entitlements, and it is a free resource.”

Anyone who works with women who may benefit from accessing this service is welcome at the launch. To book a place call 01698 527006.

Women who have been affected by gender based violence and who require information about legal rights can make an appointment to speak with a solicitor at the Lanarkshire SWRC surgery, by calling 01698 527006 during office hours. The helpline is available on 527003.