And there were words of congratulation from First Minister Jack McConnell, who lent his support to the service.

Project worker Kim Haywood said opening the office would mean women and others in abusive relationships having somewhere on their own doorstep to turn to.

“Women and their children in abusive relationships face particular problems when they wish to stay within their own communities and these problems need to be addressed in those same communities,” she said.

“There were about 75 women accessing the service last year and the numbers appear to be growing since April 1 this year. This number is over the whole of Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and two offices are planned, one in Nairn and this one in Aviemore.

“It is hoped that with these, and the refuge in Inverness, women will find it easier to access support. We should be aware that while there may be 75 women each year, but This means that there could well be around 200 children within these families that are in an abusive environment and potentially in danger.

“It is unacceptable to expect women at the edges of Badenoch and Strathspey to travel into Inverness for support and while the outreach service was available, permanent contact points within the strath will make it a lot easier for vulnerable families to get support when it is needed.”

She added: “This office in Aviemore is the Community Domestic Abuse Programme’s first step in providing the help these families need and it is great that we have the support of the First Minister.”

Mr McConnell, in his message, said that bringing such amenities to the heart of the community was very important.

“Services like the new satellite centre being opened in Aviemore are a lifeline to the women and their children in communities that need your help.

“Without centres like this one, women would have to travel miles to receive appropriate and dedicated support. Face to face support that will be provided by this centre will be vital for those facing life changing decisions, and feeling vulnerable in that situation.

Domestic abuse is not a problem that Government alone can solve, said the First Minister. “It takes determination and enthusiasm from every part of society to make a difference. And I am delighted to see that this community is contributing to make that difference. Congratulations and good luck.”

At the opening of the new service, the CoDAP launched their first book 'I am me. I am Free’ – a collection of writings by abused women from the region giving insight on their lives.

Jim Holden, head of Service North for Cairn Housing Association, which has leased the office to CoDAP, said: “'I am me. I am Free’ is a powerful and moving book and we are delighted to be able to assist the group’s work in Badenoch and Strathspey to help women, children and young people in abusive relationships access help and support 'on demand’ during the week.”

The Community Domestic Abuse programme has developed from Inverness Women’s Aid’s outreach project. It has just one full-time worker at present, supported by a handful of committed volunteers.

The opening of this first of two, planned community offices means that help, support and information will be available during office hours, Monday to Friday and not limited to a pre-arranged appointment system, throughout Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey.

The project receives financial support from the Scottish Executive’s 'Violence Against Women Fund’ which recognises abuse in the context of many relationships.

While partner abuse is the remit of Scottish Women’s Aid groups, changes in society mean that vulnerable women are being abused in a variety of circumstances and CoDAP’s funding enables more women and children to access support.

For more information or assistance contact the office in confidence on (01479) 812144 or by e-mail to codapoffice@fsmail.net

musgrove_g@spp-group.com

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