We, the undersigned, are appalled and deeply distressed by the closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid, the only violence against women service in the town. In a region with one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in Scotland, the loss of this vital service is not only unacceptable—it is life-threatening.

West Dunbartonshire Council has publicly stated in its most recent Violence Against Women Strategy:

“In West Dunbartonshire, we recognise that the inequality between men and women is the cause and consequence of this violence and abuse and are therefore committed to take a gendered approach with the objective of tackling both.”

The closure of Clydebank Women’s Aid completely contradicts this commitment. This decision places women and children at direct risk and sends a chilling message to perpetrators: there is nowhere left for women to turn.

Some within the council are attempting to frame this crisis as a failure of Clydebank Women’s Aid itself. This is a deflection—one that ignores the years of chronic underfunding, the removal of tenancy sustainment funding, and the increasing demands placed on under-resourced services.

This closure is not just a tragedy; it is a dereliction of duty. Our elected officials and public servants are charged with protecting our community, and in this case, they have failed.

We, the community of West Dunbartonshire and allies beyond, demand:
1. Immediate action to reinstate or replace the critical services formerly provided by Clydebank Women’s Aid.
2. Accountability from those in decision-making roles whose actions—or
inaction—have led to this crisis.
3. A renewed and genuinely gendered approach to violence against women and girls, grounded in investment, respect, and long-term support.

Every woman and child deserves safety, dignity, and support. We will not accept silence or spin. We demand justice, protection, and action.

#JusticeForWomen #WestDunbartonshireDemandsBetter