Survivors of domestic abuse in East Lothian have spoken of their experiences to create a new information resource that will support women and children living with its effects.

The East Lothian Violence Against Women Forum developed the Home Not A Safe Place? pack. It is a 'one stop shop' of all support that is available for women and their children who are living with domestic abuse. Local women who have experienced domestic abuse have been integral to the development and production of the pack, contributing through a series of focus groups convened for the project.

The Scottish Government's Homelessness Prevention Innovations Fund (2006) has funded the project. Home Not a Safe Place? contains information about a variety of important topics including information about safe places to stay, help with money, staying safe, support for children and sources of help and support. It also includes a detachable 'snap-fax' leaflet with key emergency contact information. It will be launched at an event at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh on 21 November, which will bring together survivors of domestic abuse, with politicians and representatives from NHS Lothian and Lothian and Borders Police.

East Lothian Council's Cabinet Member for Joint Futures, Councillor Ruth Currie, will attend the launch event. She believes that the new resources will bring benefits for women and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse, saying: “Too many women experience domestic abuse in our area and are left feeling afraid, alone and unsupported. This information has been developed to provide a powerful resource that will empower women experiencing domestic abuse. By bringing together details of the wealth of services that are available it will increase their awareness of their rights, help them to know how and where to seek assistance and give them clearer information on what support they can expect. We'd especially like to thank all of those who took part in the focus groups and shared their difficult stories in order to help others.”

Rebecca Mitchell, form East Lothian Women's Aid says '"We are concerned by the increasing numbers of women using our services who do not know their most basic rights and entitlements - this is often the result of being isolated and / or deliberately misinformed by their abusive partners. We have been actively involved with the creation of Home Not a Safe Place? which we hope will increase the safety of women and children (affected by domestic abuse) by enabling them to make informed choices, access the right support and know in advance what to expect from service providers."

Copies of  Home Not A Safe Place? will be distributed to a comprehensive range of outlets, such as Council offices, community and sports centres, GPs surgeries and schools in East Lothian.