Who Else Can Help?
Who else can help?
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is here 24/7 and there are many other services who may be able to help. If you’re not sure where to start, you can contact us to talk things through.
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you feel threatened, or you witness a violent incident, call 999 and ask to speak to the police. Depending on the nature of the emergency, you can also request to speak to the ambulance or fire service.
If you are unable to speak on a 999 call, listen and respond to the operator’s instructions. To make yourself heard, cough/tap the phone. Or if calling from a mobile, dial 55 when prompted by the automated system. If safe, drop in information about where you are.
Police Scotland
If you are in danger or feel threatened, you can call the police on 999 in an emergency.
For non-emergencies, you can call the police on 101 to report a crime. Police Scotland can be contacted from abroad on 141 308 1070.
Alternatively, you can visit a local police station or complete a form on the Police Scotland website. There is more information about domestic abuse and the police on this page:
https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/domestic-abuse/
Link to online police reporting form:
https://www.scotland.police.uk/secureforms/c3/
Further information about Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland:
https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/domestic-abuse/disclosure-scheme-for-domestic-abuse-scotland/
Domestic abuse
AMINA Muslim Women's Resource Centre can offer ongoing one-to-one support to Muslim women experiencing or at risk of domestic or sexual abuse, through the Sahara Scotland advocacy service.
You can get in touch to request this support on 01412128420 or by email sahara@mwrc.org.uk.
Aura is an inclusive domestic abuse support service who can support anyone in North Lanarkshire experiencing domestic abuse, to explore their rights and options.
DAAS provide court support services to anyone in the Scottish Borders who has experienced abuse, including women, men, and children.
https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory_record/30194/domestic_abuse_advocacy_support_service
DASAT provides support services to anyone within West Lothian experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, including women, men, and children. They have specialist support for survivors from ethnic minority backgrounds and survivors experiencing substance misuse.
https://www.westspace.org.uk/service/domestic-and-sexual-assault-team-dasat/
FearFree offers non-judgmental, one-to-one support for any man or LGBT+ person experiencing domestic abuse. They have support services in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Glasgow, and Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them.
UK SAYS NO MORE is working with businesses such as Boots, Morrisons, HSBC and TSB banks, and Superdrug, Well, and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse.
You can use a Safe Space in whichever way works for you: https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/.
You can input a postcode/ location and determine what distance you want to search for. Just to note: the website has a ‘Quick Escape’ option,
The Traveller Movement have a 24/7 helpline for traveller, Gypsy, and Roma women who have experienced domestic abuse.
You can reach this helpline, for specialist support and signposting, by phone or WhatsApp on 07541637795 (not always available, however if a message is left the worker will respond as soon as possible).
Local Women’s Aid services specialise in supporting women, children, and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. They may be able to help with both emotional and practical support.
Forced Marriage
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) can provide advice and support if you’re being forced into a marriage or are trying to leave a marriage that you’ve been forced into. They operate a public helpline to provide advice and support to victims of forced marriage as well as to professionals dealing with cases. The assistance provided ranges from safety advice, through to helping you prevent an unwanted spouse moving to the UK (‘reluctant sponsor’ cases). In extreme circumstances the FMU will assist with rescues of victims held against their will overseas.
Housing and homelessness support
If you are fleeing domestic abuse, the local council have a duty to provide you with emergency accommodation in the short term and for the long term you can apply for permanent housing. Our contact list for local council housing includes numbers to call during office hours and also numbers to use out of hours including overnight and during the weekend.
If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact a local Women’s Aid service. Women’s Aid specialise in supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and may be able to help with emotional and practical support, which can include refuge accommodation or practical support, such as with applying for housing.
Citizen’s Advice will be able to provide information and help you to understand what your rights are in lots of areas, including with housing and benefits.
You may be able to get information and support regarding your housing rights from Shelter Scotland and you will also find information resources on their website.
https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/
This page links to their contact details: https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us
Rape and sexual assault
AMINA Muslim Women's Resource Centre can offer ongoing one-to-one support to Muslin women experiencing or at risk of domestic or sexual abuse, through the Sahara Scotland advocacy service.
You can get in touch to request this support on 01412128420 or at sahara@mwrc.org.uk or a referral can be made through this form https://mwrc.org.uk/helpline/third-party-casework-referral/
Encompass is a Scottish network of agencies working with people at risk of becoming involved in, currently involved in, or who have exited selling or exchanging sexual activity/ commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).
Rape Crisis Scotland offer a helpline service and have a network of local centres across Scotland for anyone affected by sexual violence.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre offers free legal information and advice to women who have experienced sexual harassment at work, online, or in further education. On their website you can find their helpline times, legal guides, and more information about their service.
Provide support for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced rape or sexual abuse either as a child or as an adult.
Stalking and harassment
Operated by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.
The Revenge Porn Helpline is a UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as revenge porn.
Online and tech abuse
Chayn DIY Online Safety is a guide offering tips and support for anyone experiencing abuse or harassment that involves the use of technology or online spaces.
You can find the guide here: https://chayn.gitbook.io/diy-online-safety/
Right to be is an online support community working to help end harassment, including online harassment. The website has resources, such as guides for different topics related to keeping safe online as well as links to free training. There are also spaces to share your story and offer support to others.
Other violence, abuse, and victim support
Victim Support Scotland provide support, practical assistance, and information to victims and witnesses of crime in Scotland. Their service is free and confidential, and they have a helpline aswell as an office in every local authority area.
NAPAC offer support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse.
Advice and information for anyone concerned about a girl who has experienced or is at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM).
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/
The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline is a free, independent and confidential service available 24/7. They provide information and advice about any modern slavery issue to potential victims, businesses, the public, and statutory agencies such as the police and NHS.
Support for women 18 years or older in Scotland who have been trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation.
Support and information for survivors of ritual abuse.
Older People
The Hourglass confidential helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person. This might include physical, financial, psychological, sexual abuse, or neglect.
The Age Scotland helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. They provide information, friendship and advice.
Children and Young People
If there is an adult that you trust at your school, college, or university, it is totally okay to ask them for help. Even if they don’t know what to do, they should help you get the support you need. Every school, college and university has someone that is in charge of the welfare of their students. As much as possible, adults should respect your wish to keep what you have said private, if that is what you want. If they think you are in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm they might have to tell other people, like the police.
For more information, see our page for children and young people and our page for young people experiencing abuse in their own relationship
Childline are there online and on the phone for anyone under the age of 19. You can talk to them about anything that is bothering you. Their website has more information about domestic abuse for children and young people
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/home-families/family-relationships/domestic-abuse/
Women’s Aid groups don’t just have services for women. They offer all sorts of things for children and young people too. The women who work there understand what you’re going through and might be able to help keep you safe and feel better about what has happened. If you know your postcode, you can find out which one you’re closest to and get in touch
Digital resources developed in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland and Scottish Women's Aid to help young people know how to spot the signs that something isn't right and say "That's Not OK".
Parentline is a free helpline for any adult caring for or concerned about a child.
https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/
If you're an adult worried about a child, even if you're unsure, you can speak to the NSPCC about your concerns. Whether you want to report child abuse and neglect or aren't sure what to do, they are there to listen, offer advice and support and can take the next steps if a child's in danger.
The Scottish Child Law Centre provides free confidential legal advice via telephone and email, on all aspects of Scots law relating to children and young people. All calls and emails are answered by fully qualified solicitors.
LGBT+
FearFree offers non-judgmental, one-to-one support for any LGBT+ person experiencing domestic abuse. They have support services in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Glasgow, and Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
The LGBT Scotland Helpline provides information and emotional support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families, friends and supporters across Scotland, and supports those questioning or wanting to discuss their sexuality or gender identity.
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/lgbt-helpline-scotland
LGBT Youth Scotland offers digital support for LGBT young people. On their webchat you can talk to them about whatever may be worrying you, from questioning your sexual identity, coming out and relationship issues to bullying and sexual health. There is also information about local support and more information in their 'LGBT advice centre'.
If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact a local Women’s Aid service. Women’s Aid specialise in supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and may be able to help with emotional and practical support. Women’s Aid is inclusive of trans women and women of all sexual orientations, including women in same-sex relationships. They are there to support you.
Galop National Helpline is a UK-wide helpline for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
BME specialist services and immigration and asylum support
AMINA Muslim Women's Resource Centre is a free and confidential listening and signposting service for Muslim women in Scotland. They offer services in English, Arabic, Punjabi, and Urdu, with other languages available by telephone interpreter on request.
The Ethnic Minorities Law Centre provides legal advice and representation to people from Scotland’s black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. They specialise in legal issues such as immigration, asylum, human rights, and discrimination. Their office is in Glasgow, and they have outreach support available in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Highland, and North Lanarkshire and may be able to offer support in other areas.
Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid are based in Glasgow and provide culturally sensitive support to women, children and young people primarily from Asian, black and minority ethnic communities who have experienced domestic abuse in any form.
Karma Nirvana is a helpline and advocacy service for anyone in the UK experiencing ‘honour’-based abuse. They offer services in English, Hindi, Mirpuri, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Migrant Help is a national service that helps asylum seekers apply for accommodation and financial help if facing destitution. They can support with accommodation issues and other information such as getting legal representation.
Saheliya is a specialist mental health and wellbeing support organisation in Edinburgh and Glasgow for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant women and girls over the age of 12.
The Scottish Refugee Council can answer questions about anything to do with the asylum or refugee process. They can be contacted on their free helpline, or via the online contact form on their website.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre’s immigration advice surgeries are available for women aged 16 and over who have experienced immigration issues and any form of abuse. These surgeries are open by appointment only, they last 1 hour and can take place by phone or video call. They can only provide advice in a surgery appointment if you do not already have an immigration solicitor.
https://www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/services-surgeries/#rlslider_2.
Shakti Women’s Aid are based in Edinburgh, with outreach in some other areas of Scotland. They provide help for black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.
Mental health and emotional support
Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
A search engine to find accredited counsellors and psychotherapists by geographical area and area of need. The site also has articles and news on mental health related topics.
If you are worried about your mental health, you can speak to your GP for help and support with this.
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Support and information is available on their website and through the Mind Infoline.
For contact details for their helplines:
If you phone NHS24 on 111 and choose the mental health option, you will be connected to the Mental Health Hub to speak to a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners. These are specially trained advisers who work in mental health and are supported by Mental Health Nurses. They can offer advice on coping with mental health symptoms and can recommend and connect you with other services if needed.
Samaritans are there 24/7 to provide emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
Shout is a 24/7 text service, there to listen and support anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Legal services and your rights
Citizens’ Advice will be able to provide information and help you to understand what your rights are in lots of areas, including housing, social security, finances, and immigration.
The Ethnic Minorities Law Centre provides legal advice and representation to people from Scotland’s black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. They specialise in legal issues such as immigration, asylum, human rights, and discrimination. Their office is in Glasgow, and they have outreach support available in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Highland, and North Lanarkshire and may be able offer support in other areas.
The Equality Advisory Support Service are a legal advice line supporting anyone who has experienced discrimination.
The Family Law Association’s website has information on legal issues relating to topics including children, domestic abuse, divorce, and the family home. It also includes a search tool for finding Family Law solicitors by area.
The Law Society cannot provide legal advice but can help by assisting you in finding a solicitor and providing information on other legal-related matters. The website has a search tool and useful information such as FAQs about dealing with solicitors, legal fees, etc.
The Scottish Child Law Centre provides free confidential legal advice via telephone and email, on all aspects of Scots law relating to children and young people. All calls and emails are answered by fully qualified solicitors.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board is responsible for managing legal aid in Scotland. Legal aid allows people who would otherwise not be able to afford it, to get help for their legal problems. They have eligibility estimators and FAQs on their website.
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre may be able to help with free legal information and support for women experiencing domestic abuse or other forms of gender-based violence, including those with no recourse to public funds. They provide a helpline service as well as local legal surgeries and have useful information guides available on their website. They also have a search tool for finding solicitors that have gone through their domestic abuse training.
You may be able to get support regarding your housing rights from Shelter and there are information resources available on their website.
Court support and advocacy
ASSIST is a specialist independent advocacy service that can support victims of domestic abuse after an incident where a person has been charged or is likely to be charged with a domestic abuse related crime. They also support children and young people who have witnessed domestic abuse and may have to give evidence in court, as well as young people under the age of 20 who have reported domestic abuse within their relationship to the police.
They are available in: Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire (North, South and East), Dumfries and Galloway, Dunbartonshire (East and West), Glasgow, Inverclyde, Lanarkshire (North and South) and Renfrewshire, including East Rensfrewshire. They are also available in Edinburgh for male victims only.
DAAS provide court support services to anyone in the Scottish Borders who has experienced abuse, including women, men, and children.
https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory_record/30194/domestic_abuse_advocacy_support_service
DASAT provides court support services to women, men, and children in West Lothian experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence. They have specialist support for survivors from ethnic minority backgrounds and survivors experiencing substance misuse.
https://www.westspace.org.uk/service/domestic-and-sexual-assault-team-dasat/
EDDACS is a support and advocacy service for female victims of domestic abuse crimes going through the court process in Edinburgh.
Victim Support Scotland provide support, practical assistance, and information to victims and witnesses of crime in Scotland. Their service is free and confidential, and they have an office in every local authority area.
Help in other countries – other parts of the UK and abroad
A British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission can provide consular assistance to British nationals abroad. For example, they may be able to help if you are the victim of a crime, are arrested, fall ill, or need emergency travel documents. Worldwide embassy contact information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies
British nationals abroad can also contact the Foreign Commonwealth Office about consular assistance 24/7 on 0207 008 1500. The Global Consular Enquiry Team can be contacted through the web form on this page.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is the helpline for England. You can contact them on 0808 2000 247 (available 24 hours), or you can access their webchat via their chatbot on their website (Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm).
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is the 24/7 helpline for Northern Ireland.
You can contact them on 0808 802 1414, at help@dsahelpline.org, or via web chat at https://www.dsahelpline.org/
The Live Fear Free Helpline is the 24/7 domestic abuse and sexual violence helpline for Wales.
Their number is 0808 80 10 800. If web chat is better for you, this is available on their website at https://gov.wales/live-fear-free/domestic-abuse-wales/, or you can email them at info@livefearfreehelpline.wales or you can text on 07860 077 333.
Hot Peach Pages is an international directory of domestic abuse and violence against women support agencies and you should be able to use it to find a service in your country.
Health and disabilities
You can speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about abuse in confidence, and seek medical assistance if you need it.
Disability Information Scotland provides a range of general disability-related information for disabled people. The helpline can deal with issues including benefit enquiries, employment, discrimination cases, equipment, grants and trusts, access, holiday information, and signposting to local sources of help and advice.
Scotland's National BSL Interpreting Video Relay Service.
Relay UK helps deaf, speech-impaired, and hearing people talk to each other over the phone using the relay service.
If it is out of hours and you’re too unwell to wait until your GP reopens, NHS 24 are available 24/7 to provide urgent health advice. Their freephone number is 111.
General health information available online including self-help guides. They operate a helpline and web chat service that you can use if you are well but have a health-related question or want more information about local NHS services.
Carers
Carers UK Advice Line gives information and support for carers. They can do benefits checks and advise on financial and practical matters related to caring.
Money and finances
Advice Direct Scotland is a free service that offers advice on consumer issues, including consumers' rights, debt, and benefits. They have a multimedia advice hub providing free, impartial advice and helping people to find out what their rights are and how to exercise them.
Child Maintenance Options is a free service that provides impartial information and support to help separated parents make decisions about their child maintenance arrangements.
Citizen’s Advice will be able to provide information and help you to understand what your rights are in many areas, including housing, social security, finances, and immigration. They may additionally be able to help you separate your universal credit payments from your ex-partner, if you are no longer to make up one household.
The National Debtline is a free, confidential helpline offering independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. They also have a webchat accessible through their website.
The Scottish Welfare Fund may be able to provide a crisis grant or community care grant if your financial circumstances have changed because of your experiencing domestic abuse. To find out if you are eligible and to apply, you would need to get in touch with the service in your area. You should be able to find the details for your local area through the search tool on this Scottish government webpage.
The Financial Support Line for Victims of Domestic Abuse is run by Money Advice Plus with support from Surviving Economic Abuse. The Financial Support Line provides a safe space for you to discuss your financial situation and allow you to prioritise issues and move forward with economic safety.
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/what-we-do/financial-support-line/
Surviving Economic Abuse also have a Banking Support Directory on their website. This directory includes information about the support that some of the UK’s major banks and building societies can offer if you have experienced economic/ financial abuse.
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/banking/directory/
The Victim Support Scotland Emergency Assistance Fund (VSS EAF) is available to any victim of crime who is in urgent need of financial help as a direct result of a specific crime, and has no means of accessing funding from any other source. It is available for specific costs and items in the aftermath of a crime and is not a compensation fund.
Pet fostering
Cats Protection Lifeline is a free and confidential cat fostering service for cats whose families are experiencing domestic abuse. Cats are cared for in dedicated temporary foster homes until they are able to be safety reunited with their owners.
https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/cp-lifeline/accessing-lifeline
The Dogs’ Trust Freedom Project provides a free dog fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse in any area of Scotland. Dogs are cared for in a fosterer’s own home in a safe and confidential location.
http://www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/accessing-our-service/accessing-our-service
Pet Fostering Service Scotland provides a short-term foster service for the pets of owners in emergency situations such as temporary homelessness and domestic abuse. The service is available in almost all parts of Scotland, except Dumfries & Galloway and Western Isles. On their 'contact us' page of their website, you'll find details on how to contact the service in your local area.