IN forty years Scottish Women’s Aid has come a long way and helped ensure domestic abuse is taken seriously as a problem across society.

From being considered by too many people to be a private matter behind closed doors, domestic abuse is now rightly regarded as a crime which needs to be tackled.

Only with the hard work and determination of the many women who campaigned tirelessly on the issue has it been given the priority it deserves.

There is still however much work to be done and education among young people in particular on relationships is necessary and taking place.

From providing safety to those who were then termed ‘battered wives’ to being advocates for women’s rights on a range of issues, Scottish Women’s Aid has been at the forefront of the fight for equality.

There is now greater reporting of domestic abuse and it is taken far more seriously by the police and justice system.

Attitudes have changed slowly over those forty years and have to change further in the future.

It is unlikely this would have happened without the campaigners who dedicated their efforts to this cause.

The project to commemorate the work of 100 women involved with Scottish Women’s Aid is a fitting way to mark the 40th anniversary.

It has had considerable success and we know it will continue to strive for equality.