A domestic abuse refuge service in Inverness is facing an uncertain future after Highland Council decided to reassign its funding to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), ending a long-standing contract with Inverness Women’s Aid (IWA). The decision, effective from next month, will shift the delivery of specialist support for victims of domestic abuse from IWA, which has served the community since 1979, to the CAB.

Inverness Women’s Aid expressed serious concerns about the change, stating that the Citizens Advice Bureau lacks the specialist knowledge and experience required to effectively support domestic abuse victims. The organisation described the council’s decision as “bizarre and reckless” and indicated it is now reassessing its role and future operations in the area.

Highland Council defended the change, stating that the new arrangement aims to “strengthen support” for women and children affected by domestic abuse in Inverness and the broader south Highland region. The council maintains that awarding the contract to the CAB will enhance the overall service provision, although specific details about how these improvements will be implemented were not disclosed.

The move marks a significant shift in the delivery of domestic abuse services within the area, ending over four decades of specialised support from Inverness Women’s Aid. As the transition approaches, local stakeholders and service users remain watchful of how the change will impact the availability and quality of support for domestic abuse victims.