Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) refers to a range of actions that harm, or cause suffering and indignity to, women and children. These include (but are not limited to) physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family, general community or institutions; sexual harassment and intimidation at work and in public; commercial sexual exploitation; and so called 'honour based' violence, including dowry-related violence, female genital mutilation, forced and child marriages and 'honour' crimes.

 

Coercive and controlling behaviour (5 Nations)

These are the slides from a 5 Nations webinar held in December 2024. This series of webinars shares adult support and protection / safeguarding knowledge across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. 

The theme of this webinar is coercive and controlling behaviour with a particular focus on older people's relationships. The sessions are:

Picture of smiling support worker

Coercive control (5 Nations)

These are the slides from a 5 Nations webinar held in September 2025. This series of webinars shares adult support and protection / safeguarding knowledge across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. 

The theme of this webinar is coercive control. The sessions are:

Picture of smiling support worker

Intersections meeting guide

Domestic abuse in families often intersects with the substance abuse and/or mental health issues of one or more family members. The intersection of these issues is complex and diverse and spans case management, service delivery, and safety issues.

This guide offers a framework for:

  1. Improving the assessment of how these issues intersect

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How to be an ally to a loved one experiencing domestic violence

This guide is a resource to assist family and friends in being an ally to survivors of domestic abuse. A positive first experience talking about the abuse can make the difference between safety and increased isolation and entrapment for a loved one.

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How domestic violence perpetrators manipulate systems

Domestic violence perpetrator manipulation of systems is a critical problem that undermines responses to family violence and deeply impacts adult and child survivors in many ways. Perpetrators manipulate systems to bolster their own power and abuse and to control adult and child survivors further.

This report outlines the types of systems perpetrators may manipulate, how they may do this, and ways in which this behaviour can be addressed.

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Choose to change (Toolkit)

These resources are for men who are worried about their behavior toward their loved ones. The Choose to Change Toolkit describes a four-step process to assist men in developing strong, safe support networks to help them interrupt their violence and increase safety for other family members. It includes a professionals booklet, information for partners, and information for network contacts.

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Safety planning (for women involved in commercial sexual exploitation)

This booklet is directly aimed at women involved in commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). It aims to help people to stay safe and know their rights. The booklet highlights the different risks women may face while selling or exchanging sexual activity, with safety tips and strategies.

The booklet is informed by the experiences of women who are or have been involved in selling or exchanging sex or images.

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Commercial sexual exploitation and women with learning disabilities in Scotland

This report explores the intersections between women’s lived experience of learning disability and involvement in commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). It collected data and experiences from support staff in the learning disabilities and wider support sectors in order to understand the dynamics of learning disabled women's experiences of CSE. It also explores service responses and contains recommendations for future work.

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The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!