Never Allowed

Never Allowed: Extended Family Abuse

In November 2023 we launched Never Allowed, our campaign for 16 Days of Action against gender-based violence, conducted in partnership with Syma Ahmed, BME Development Officer at Glasgow Women’s Library.

The campaign drew on our research on In-Law Abuse. Throughout out research, the recurring phrase “I was Never Allowed” prompted our digital campaign, highlighting coercive control and abuse that BME women in Scotland have experienced from their in-laws.

Our campaign highlights the need for change around Scottish legislation. At present, legislation defines domestic abuse as being perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner only. In reality, many Muslim & BME women experience domestic abuse from their in-laws. Our Campaign offers a compelling visual narrative to emphasise the urgency of addressing this form of violence within communities.

As Scotland’s leading women’s rights organisation, we are advocating to Scottish Government to extend the definition of domestic abuse to include In-Law Abuse. This will help to ensure that the definition better reflects the experiences of all women in Scotland. Amina aims to encourage dialogue, advocacy, and societal change to end In-Law Abuse, and ensure the safety and rights of Muslim & BME women in Scotland.