25 years of Women and Children First
We celebrate a pioneering service that's been standing up to domestic abuse for a quarter of a century.
For 25 years, our Women and Children First team has been supporting those affected by all forms of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Based in Children's Services, the team plays a vital role in helping families recover and rebuild, while leading the way in how we tackle gender-based violence locally. As the service celebrates this milestone and prepares to say goodbye to long-standing coordinator Louise Moore, we're reflecting on what's been achieved and the legacy we continue to build.
Back in 2000, we launched Women and Children First with a clear goal: to create a dedicated support service for women and children facing sexual and domestic abuse. Funded through the then newly established Scottish Government, the idea was shaped by partnership, with support from Rape Crisis and Children First, and built on the belief that services should be shaped by the voices of women and children.
Founder Jacqueline Torrens remembers that time clearly:
"It was a privilege to lead the early work to develop a sister service to Women's Aid. I was driving to one of the meetings and listening to a debate on the radio about gender-based violence, when one of the speakers said, 'it's time all agencies listened to the voices of women and children first.' That summed up our approach and gave us our name."
Since then, the team has supported thousands of women, children and young people, offering practical help, emotional support and advocacy.
Alongside that, they've helped drive change by supporting the Reclaim the Night march through Paisley each year and working closely with our Youth Services team to help younger voices be heard as part of Young and Equally Safe in Renfrewshire.
Jacqueline said: "These services are vital, as although there is more recognition across society of the impact of gender-based violence, alarming numbers of women and children continue to suffer harm. We should all be proud that in Renfrewshire they have at least a service to help rebuild their confidence and identity.
"Thanks to all the staff of Women and Children First and I wish you the best for the next 25 years."
At the heart of it all has been Louise Moore, who retires this month after over 40 years of local authority service - 23 of them leading Women and Children First. Louise has shaped how we respond to violence against women and girls across Renfrewshire, helping drive forward the Equally Safe agenda and playing a key role in our Child Protection Committee and Equally Safe Partnership (formerly known as the Gender Based Violence Strategy Group).
The service marked their 25th anniversary on Friday 30 May with a celebration at the Mile End Centre, organised by Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators Karen McNulty and Ashley Ross. It was a chance to thank the team—past and present—for the huge impact they've made.
Director of Children's Services, Janie O'Neil, said:
"We're proud of everything Women and Children First has achieved, and grateful to Louise for her leadership and dedication. Let's take a moment to recognise the vital work our colleagues do every day to support families and tackle gender-based violence."
If you'd like more information about Women and Children First, the Reclaim the Night campaign or Equally Safe events, please visit the council website.
Pictured above from left to right: Ellen Lorimer - Barnardo's Service Manager, Keely Wilkinson - Engage Renfrewshire Community Officer - Tobacco and Vaping prevention, Alice McBride - Engage Renfrewshire Community and Partnership Manager, Ashley Ross - Cedar Program Coordinator Renfrewshire Council and Malin Wollberg - Engage Renfrewshire Funding and Organisation Development Officer at the Celebrating 25 years of Women and Children First event on Friday 30 May at the Mile End Centre, Paisley.
Published Monday 9 June 2025
