Violence against women 'a growing city-wide issue' in Glasgow, campaigners warn

More must be done to tackle Glasgow’s “deepening crisis” around women’s safety, according to local campaigners.

Instances of domestic abuse are up by 41% on the previous year, rapes increased by 41%, and sexual assault has risen by 28%, according to figures from the Safe Glasgow Partnership

The Safe Glasgow Partnership data shows 357 rape crimes were recorded during 2024-25 compared to 254 during the previous year. Domestic abuse crimes against women stand at 192 so far compared to 136 the previous year.

The chief of a charity which helps women from ethnic minority backgrounds said violence against women is a “city-wide issue.”

Mariam Ahmed says Amina has been handling 120 cases over the last quarter with only 23 case workers – and they were previously forced to temporarily close the waiting list.

“We don’t have enough caseworkers to deal with the demand,” she said. “They are overwhelmed, especially with complex cases.

“We’re seeing a rise in domestic abuse cases – there are a lot more women reporting and a general increase in domestic abuse. There is a lot of societal misogyny in general, other issues, such as women being objectified.

Mariam Ahmed, chief of women's charity Amina, says services are 'overwhelmed' — Mariam Ahmed, chief of women’s charity Amina, says services are ‘overwhelmed’ STV News

She said the sector needs more investment to tackle the rise in cases.

“It’s no surprise to say that this requires more investment, more funding, to deal with issues we’re coming across.

“Organisations need to keep women safe, be supported, properly funded, and their voices need to be listened to.”

“There needs to be a whole-system approach to women’s safety. What do we need to do to keep women safe?”

‘I was scared to go outside’

Meanwhile, women in a Krav Maga self-defence class in Glasgow are “finding empowerment” through physical and mental training.

Paige Adams joined the course in August last year.

Her history of bad experiences with gender-based violence took an extreme toll on her mental health.

She said: “I stopped being able to go to work, and eventually I stopped being able to leave the house – I couldn’t even take my rubbish out to my bins.

“You’re constantly hearing about the things that happen – I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who hasn’t been attacked in some way, whether it’s verbal, physical or sexual.

“Even things like walking down the street, especially at nighttime, especially on my own – I’m not scared anymore. Can you believe that? As a woman, to not feel scared alone at night walking home.

“I feel cautious, but I’m no longer walking huddled with my keys in my hand, gripping my bag, and thinking ‘are my laces tied tight enough? Am I going to be able to run if something happens?’”

But she said Krav Maga has transformed her outlook – teaching her to verbally assert herself as well as physically protect herself.

“I was scared to go outside as I was scared of what might happen. I’ve never really felt safe anywhere.

“I’ve not only learned the physical skills of how to defend, there’s a mental lesson in it too. I’ve gained so much self-worth from coming to these classes.”

Robyn Craig said women are “constantly on alert.”

“It is quite scary, what you’re seeing on the news constantly – Andrew Tate stuff. I think it’s been normalised to demonise women, to be entitled to our bodies.”

Alex McQueen said seeing more police on the streets would make women feel safer.

“There’s still a huge lack of resources,” she said. “We see police on peak times like the football or at marches. The rest of the time, it can be hard to come by.

“Dedicated resources like Women’s Aid are filling those gaps – but I don’t think there’s enough.”

Yana Damitrova added: “I think the world is becoming less safe for women. Probably every woman has had that feeling of going back home and being scared if she’s alone.”

Sarah Gellar said she began training after previously feeling unsafe walking in the city.

“I did have some situations where I was threatened, especially by people under the influence,” she said. “The area where I stay is quite safe, but the town is quite dodgy.

“It’s not fair but world is not a fair place. on our side we need to take the right steps to protect ourselves.”

Krav Maga instructor Kirsty Orr STV News

Instructor Kirsty Orr said: “Many of the women come in and they often can’t make eye contact, they’re very timid, they have a lot of trauma. When they finish the course, they make eye contact, they’re happy and smiling. The training is life-changing for them.

“I can speak from my own experience. I finished the first session, and it felt like I was a superhero. It’s our mission to make sure every woman in Scotland learns this sort of training.”

Glasgow councillors have said women’s safety as a “fundamental right” and agreed on a set of actions to help tackle violence against women and girls in the city.

It outlined key actions, including an emergency summit on violence against women and girls, the creation of a Glasgow Women’s Safety Action Plan, a city-wide consultation, and a Women’s Safety Charter.

It also calls on the Scottish Government to provide targeted support for areas facing rising levels of violence and to back specialist units to tackle VAWG as part of the next Police Plan for Glasgow.

A healthy masculinity action plan for boys and young men will also be introduced to promote the uptake of in-school mental health services among boys.

Glasgow Labour deputy leader Bailie Soriya Siddique said that women and girls in Glasgow are “being let down” after the latest “shocking” statistics.

She said: “Women are told to avoid certain streets, change routes, not feel safe in public spaces. Online, women are raising concerns about misogyny, and violence is up. It seems to be all over society at various levels. It’s not acceptable.

“In my own life, I do not feel safe, having to watch where I go, avoiding certain routes. People saying ‘don’t go out there after 6pm, keep your head down, don’t be too loud.’

“This is our city, and it’s for everyone. It’s so important in 2025 that we are safe.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Guy, of Glasgow Public Protection Unit, said: “Police Scotland is committed to working with partners to help ensure that women and girls across Glasgow feel safe and supported in their communities. Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority, and we continue to take action every day to prevent harm, support victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

“Tackling domestic abuse is one of our most significant priorities. Understanding the underlying issues and putting effective prevention strategies in place with partners is key. Every Police Scotland officer is trained to respond to domestic incidents and recognise the full range of abusive behaviours used to control, coerce, and instil fear.

“Any increase in the number of rapes is concerning. However, our approach to sexual crime is victim-centred, and I want to reassure anyone affected that they will be fully supported by specialist officers who will carry out a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses unacceptable behaviour to report it to police. We remain committed to working with communities and partners to improve safety and build confidence among women and girls across Glasgow.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Violence against women and girls is a fundamental violation of human rights and has no place in our vision for a safe, strong, successful Scotland. Prevention and supporting specialist violence against women and girls’ services are our priorities. Men must play an active role in addressing negative attitudes and behaviours which ultimately lead to violence and abuse of women.

“The Scottish Government is providing an additional £2.4m to more than 100 organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls and support survivor. The increase brings the total funding to £21.6m this year. This will help services cope with demand and continue their invaluable work.”