By Annamaria De Felice
To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day event, the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC)’s legal team attended an online session organised by the University of Strathclyde Law Clinic to explore the role of SWRC in helping survivors navigate the complexities of the legal system, emerging trends in legal challenges faced by service users, and a recent case outcome that underscores the importance of the SWRC’s work. During the session – led by student coordinator Heather Dickson and SWRC Senior Associate Solicitor Lyndsay Fleming, student volunteers shared their experiences, and how they are contributing to the cause.
What is the SWRC?
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (SWRC) provides free legal advice and advocacy for women affected by gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, harassment, and coercive control. Legal processes can be overwhelming, especially for those already experiencing trauma. SWRC works to bridge this gap, offering legal guidance, representation, and referrals to other support services.
A unique aspect of SWRC’s work is the involvement of student volunteers, who assist with legal research, advocacy, and support services. Many students find this experience eye-opening, giving them a deeper understanding of the intersection between gender, justice, and systemic barriers.
One of our volunteers reflected on their involvement, saying: “One of the highlights of my volunteering experience has been gaining a deeper understanding of how to be an informed solicitor, specifically in relation to domestic abuse and the challenges women face within the Scottish justice system. This experience has been both eye-opening and crucial for my career, especially as I am interested in family law. “
Emerging legal issues at the SWRC
Recently, the SWRC has seen a trend in cases involving intimate image abuse and defamation used as a tool of control.
> Defamation as control: An increasing number of women reports experiencing threats of civil action, including defamation, by abusers as a means of control – false accusations spread through social media, workplaces, or communities to discredit and isolate survivors. These cases highlight the need for legal reforms and better mechanisms to combat reputational harm as a form of abuse. Recently, the SWRC has been working with Index on Censorship by contributing to a report on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) for women facing both domestic abuse and legal threats.
The legal team is also collaborating with a wider coalition of organisations and community groups across Scotland who are taking part in the recently published consultation by the Scottish Government regarding SLAPPs.
Going forward
As the attendees and speakers mark together International Women’s Day 2025, the legal team has reaffirmed, during the session, their commitment to fighting for legal protections and support for survivors of gender-based violence.
The work of SWRC, alongside dedicated student volunteers, continues to push for systemic change, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and their rights upheld.
For those seeking support or legal advice, SWRC remains a crucial resource: Scottish Women’s Rights Centre.
