SERVICE DETAILS
Domestic abuse (DA) generally causes deep and lasting mental health consequences, including devastating effects on self-esteem, social anxieties, difficulty forming relationships, damage to existing relationships and more.
Among our other services, EWA currently offers emotional wellbeing support for the women using our services through one-on-one support and referrals, but we know there is much more work to be done. Therefore, we have developed a specialist role in mental health to support EWA’s aim to improve the mental health recovery of women affected by domestic abuse by:
- Supporting public and third sector mental health agencies to improve their domestic abuse policy and practice responses.
- Provide advice and guidance to Edinburgh Women’s Aid staff on mental health support best practice.
- Provide effective support and advocacy to and on behalf of women in relation to their mental health needs.
Additionally, this specialist mental health service:
- Provide day to day support to colleagues, including assessing cases and advising on best practice in multi-agency interventions in conjunction with colleagues and the operational manager, with a specific focus on mental health needs.
- Provide expert advocacy support to women in respect of their mental health needs and options when required – for example where systems are failing, or where the issue is particularly complex.
- Take a lead on advocating to improve mental health outcomes for women affected by domestic abuse through proactive engagement with mental health providers, relevant strategic partnerships and forums in Edinburgh.
- Organise and lead mental health focussed peer discussion opportunities for women who are using Edinburgh Women’s Aid services and to use the feedback from such events to inform mental health policy work.
- Support national improvement in mental health responses for women affected by domestic abuse through forging strong links with national agencies and networks.
