WOMEN IN SHETLAND SHARED THEIR VIEWS

In November 2024 we carried out a short Shetland-wide survey. The purpose of the survey was to gather insights into the key issues, challenges, and opportunities experienced by women in Shetland.

Developed by Shetland Women’s Aid, the findings of the survey will be used by the Shetland Violence Against Women Children and Young People Partnership (SVAWCYP) to improve specialist services for those affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in Shetland. Data from survey responses has also been shared with Shetland Islands Council, NHS Shetland, and ZetTrans to support the development of the SIC’s Equalities Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report.

In time for International Women’s Day 2025, we are sharing the findings of this survey. Our report underscores the need for urgent systemic changes to improve the experiences of women in Shetland. Addressing gender-based violence, discrimination, and access to services will require collaboration between policymakers, service providers, and the wider community. Shetland has many strengths, including substantial community networks. By building on these positives and taking action to address key challenges, Shetland can become a safer, fairer, and more inclusive place for everyone.

We want to thank every woman who took the time to share their experiences with us. We will continue to fight for your rights to live peacefully, free from abuse and discrimination, and we want you to know that your voices matter. We hope that local decision makers take note of these survey findings and implement the necessary changes.

Please note that this report contains discussions of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, and discrimination. Some readers may find these topics distressing. If you have been impacted by any of the issues addressed, contact information for local support services can be found at the end of this report. You are not alone.