Women's Aid Federation of England Archive

Description

The Women’s Aid Federation of England Archive consists of the records relating to the Women’s Aid Federation of England, from its origins as the National Women’s Aid Federation through to modern day. Material relates to the running of Women's Aid as an organisation and charity, their projects, campaigns and research, and their vast network of women's services throughout the country. The archive consists of both analogue and digital records, including paper, photographic, textile, audio-visual and born digital records.

For those interested in the history of Women's Aid we recommend consulting the collections of Feminist Archive North, who have the archives of prominent Women's Aid individuals such as Jalna Hanmer and Jo Sutton, among others. Often the papers from these archives compliment the material found in the Women's Aid Federation of England Archive.

Women's Aid is a domestic abuse charity and the content found in this archive will relate to subjects surrounding domestic abuse and gendered violence. There may also be historic language that some may find sensitive or offensive.

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Biography or history

The Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) is the national coordinating body for local domestic abuse services in England. It provides information, training and resources to these services as well as to other agencies, and it monitors the experiences of and the provision for women and children suffering abuse. It also lobbies, advocates and campaigns against domestic abuse and for legislative changes both in England and further afield.


It started life in 1974 as the National Women’s Aid Federation, breaking off into separate federations for Scotland in 1976 and England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1978. Set against the backdrop of the Women’s Liberation Movement, the earlier records in this archive show the establishment of a female-led, activist collective working to raise awareness of domestic abuse and gendered violence. As we move forward in time the federation becomes increasingly established and revered for its expertise, being sought out by MPs and Government departments for consultations and taking part in various steering groups.

System of arrangement

This collection is arranged to represent the functionality of Women's Aid. It is split into the following series, within which are furhter sub-series and files to explore.


- Internal Adminsitration

- Women's Aid Conferences and Events

- Helpline

- Publications and Ephemera

- Projects, Campaigns and Research

- Local Women's Aid Groups

- Other Federated Groups

- External Organisations

- Press Cuttings

- Audio-Visual Material

- Women's Aid Library

Access and usage

Access

This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.

On our website

Collection guide: Women's Aid Federation of England Archive

Women's Aid Federation of England is a domestic abuse charity that works as the national coordinating body for local refuges and domestic abuse services in England.

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Research spotlight: 50 Years of Activism: The Women's Aid Federation of England Archive

A Research Spotlight exploring the history and achievements of Women’s Aid Federation of England over their 50-year history, since their formation in 1974.

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