A domestic abuse refuge service in the Highlands is facing an uncertain future after losing its local authority funding. Highland Council has decided to award its annual domestic abuse services contract to the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) instead of Inverness Women's Aid (IWA), which has previously delivered specialist support in the area.
Criticism of the decision
IWA, now considering its future, has criticised the decision, stating that the CAB has “no specialist knowledge or experience of working with victims of domestic abuse” and described the move as “bizarre and reckless.” The charity has operated in the city since 1979.
However, the council says the new arrangements will strengthen support for women and children affected by domestic abuse across Inverness and the wider south Highland area.
Contract concerns
IWA said it had spent two years seeking to secure the funding but claimed Highland Council issued a draft contract containing “unsafe and unclear” clauses. It said the council refused to provide clarification or enter into meaningful negotiation, and that proposed terms raised concerns around service-user confidentiality, employment law, and GDPR compliance.
The charity ultimately declined to proceed with the contract in 2025, understanding that this would mean it would not receive future funding under the new arrangement. Despite this, it said it was disappointed that further discussions had not taken place to resolve its concerns.
Current status
At present, Inverness Women's Aid continues to receive council funding for its refuge service, although that agreement is due to end in September. The charity says its refuge is currently at capacity, with referrals increasing.
Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey CAB is due to join partners in a Highland-wide domestic abuse service model from July.
Councillor David Fraser, chair of the council’s health and social work committee, said: “The Highland-wide service will strengthen support for all victim-survivors across Highland through a more joined-up and collaborative approach. By working together, the partners will be able to share expertise and connect people to the right support more quickly. I hope this gives victim-survivors confidence about the future of domestic abuse services across the Highlands.”
