Site supports abuse campaign

The website allows women to tell their stories

A website at the heart of a campaign against domestic violence in Scotland is receiving more than 100 visits a day, it has emerged.

The site - which offers information and allows victims to share their stories - was launched earlier this month.

It is part of a £680,000 Scottish Executive campaign which also includes specially printed beer mats and posters on bus shelters to promote awareness of domestic abuse.

The site recognizes the therapeutic benefits of victims telling their own stories by allowing them to enter their personal experiences on line

Dr Graham Jones, Civic Computing

The site was designed and built by Edinburgh web content management company Civic Computing in partnership with advertising agency Barkers.

And the firm has revealed that it has recorded more than 2,000 visits from concerned women ­ more than 100 per day.

It is estimated that one in five women in Scotland will be the victim of domestic abuse during their lifetime, while 100,000 children live with violence in their home.

Phase one of the campaign involved the screening of the Behind Closed Doors television adverts last year.

These adverts were given the credit for a massive increase in the number of calls to a helpline for all domestic abuse victims.

Telephone helpline

First Minister Jack McConnell helped launch the latest phase of the campaign on 6 December with the aim of reaching a younger audience.

Social Justice Minister Iain Gray said the website offered "comprehensive information in an accessible format for anyone suffering domestic abuse.

"It complements the existing telephone helpline and television advertising campaign by letting people know that they should not tolerate abuse, and that there is help and support available."

Dr Graham Jones of Civic Computing said the company had been "delighted" to win the contract.

Beer mats are part of the new campaign

"Domestic abuse is a serious issue which touches many Scottish families," he said.

"The website is an integral part of the Scottish Executive campaign, and we are pleased to be associated with it in this way."

He said women's groups throughout the country were able to maintain the site themselves, under the editorial control of the Scottish Executive.

Dr Jones said: "This will ensure that the site is always relevant, providing victims with up to date information and support.

"The site recognizes the therapeutic benefits of victims telling their own stories by allowing them to enter their personal experiences on line.

"Our technology enables the executive to review the stories before they are published onto the site, helping to ensure their suitability and protecting the writers' anonymity."