The Scottish Government has faced criticism for placing women and children in mixed-sex temporary accommodation, particularly in hotels and B&Bs. Campaigners argue that these environments can be unsafe, with reports of sexual assault and exploitation.

Despite calls for women-only homeless accommodation, the government has yet to fully implement dedicated spaces. A petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament urges reforms to ensure women and children are safeguarded from potential harm.

In Glasgow, only 16% of people housed in emergency hotels or B&Bs are women, highlighting concerns about the male-to-female ratio in temporary housing. Campaigners argue that women are self-excluding from homeless services due to safety fears.

Advocacy groups in Scotland are pushing for women-only homeless accommodation to protect vulnerable women from unsafe mixed-sex environments. Campaigners argue that placing women and children in hotels and B&Bs with predominantly male residents increases the risk of sexual assault and exploitation.

A petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament calls for urgent reforms to ensure women and children are safeguarded from potential harm. The Scottish Women’s Convention has also highlighted the need for better standards in temporary accommodation, emphasizing that women are more likely to experience homelessness due to domestic violence.

Dig Deeper

Advised these are shelters and organisations in Scotland that do provide support for women and children only as part of their services.

  • Shelter Scotland – Offers housing advice and emergency accommodation. Located at 1145 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G41 3YH. More info.
  • Ubuntu Women Shelter – Provides support for destitute women and marginalized genders with insecure immigration status. Located at Block A, Room 8, Adelphi Centre, 12 Commercial Rd, Glasgow G5 0PQ. More info.
  • Glasgow Women's Aid – Supports women, children, and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Located at 30 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LG. More info.
  • Simon Community Scotland – Provides safe places and support for people experiencing homelessness. Located at 472 Ballater Street, Glasgow G5 0QW. More info.
  • Glasgow City Mission – Offers compassionate care and support for vulnerable individuals. Located at 20 Crimea Street, Glasgow G2 8PW. More info.
  • Western Isles Women's Aid – Provides independent services for women and children escaping domestic abuse. Located at 53A Bayhead, Stornoway, Isle Of Lewis HS1 2. More info.

Advised here are some organisations in Scotland that provide services specifically for women and children:

  • Scottish Women’s Rights Centre – Offers free and confidential legal advice and advocacy support for women affected by violence and abuse. Located at 10 Bothwell Street, Glasgow G2 6LU. More info.
  • Shakti Women’s Aid – Supports Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women and children experiencing domestic abuse, including culturally-specific violence. Based in Edinburgh, with outreach in Fife, Stirling, and Dundee. More info.
  • SAY Women – Provides semi-supported accommodation and emotional support for young women (16-25) who are homeless or at risk due to sexual abuse. More info.
  • Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline – A 24-hour crisis line offering support and legal advice for women and children facing domestic abuse or forced marriage. Managed by Scottish Women’s Aid. More info.
  • Children in Scotland – Provides practical support, advice, and representation for children, young people, parents, and families across Scotland. More info.