Where to get help if you're experiencing domestic abuse

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

This page contains information on and links to organisations that can help women and men undergoing violence or abuse at home.

Help for women experiencing domestic abuse

Rape Crisis Scotland

Free, confidential information and support for girls and women who have undergone sexual abuse at any time in their lives. You can find details of your local centre at the Rape Crisis Scotland website. Rape Crisis Scotland also has a helpline on 08088 01 03 02.
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

SAY Women

SAY Women is a voluntary organisation which offers safe and secure accommodation for young women who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
www.say-women.co.uk

Scottish Domestic Abuse Line

Free 24-hour helpline. Helpline workers can talk you through your options and put you in touch with local agencies that can help you. The website offers straightforward advice and information for people facing domestic abuse.
Tel: 0800 027 1234
www.domesticabuse.co.uk

Scottish Women's Aid

Women's Aid provides information, advice and support to women undergoing emotional and/or physical abuse. Women's Aid refuges, located across Scotland, offer a safe, supportive environment for women who wish to leave abusive partners, and also for their children.
www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk

Help for black and minority ethnic women

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid provides support and practical help to Asian, black and ethnic minority women who have suffered mental and physical harassment and abuse either from their partner, ex-partner or within their extended family. Services include a drop-in centre and refuge.
www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk/hemat.html

Muslim Women's Helpline

The Muslim Women's Helpline aims to provide any Muslim girl or woman in a crisis with a free, confidential listening service and referral to Islamic consultants, plus practical help and information where required.
www.mwhl.org

Shakti Women's Aid

This service run by black women offers advice, information, counselling, support and temporary accommodation for black and minority ethnic women and their children escaping domestic violence. Workers can provide information on housing, benefits, legal issues, immigration, nationality, racial harassment and health. Languages spoken include Arabic, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Singhalese, Swahili and Urdu.
www.shaktiedinburgh.co.uk

Help for men experiencing domestic abuse

Men's Advice Helpline

Support and advice for men experiencing domestic abuse.
www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Survivors UK

Survivors UK provides support and resources for men who have been sexually abused or raped or experienced any form of sexual violence.
www.survivorsuk.co.uk

Help for LBGT people experiencing domestic abuse

Broken Rainbow

Support services and advice for lesbian, bisexual, gay and transexual people experiencing domestic abuse.
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard

Offers advice and support on a range of issues affecting gay and lesbian people, including domestic abuse.
Tel: 0131 556 4049 (lines are open 7-10pm)
www.lgls.co.uk

Strathclyde Gay and Lesbian Switchboard

Offers a wide range of services to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transvestites, transsexuals and their families and friends.
Tel: 0141 847 0447 (lines are open 7-10pm)
www.sgls.co.uk

Help for perpetrators of domestic violence

Everyman Project

Counselling project that helps men who are being abusive towards their partners to learn to control their behaviour.
www.everymanproject.co.uk

Help for young people

Childline

Free, confidential helpline offering practical advice and support to children and young people.
Tel: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk

The Hideout

Information for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
www.thehideout.org.uk

Other useful websites

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

Information on applying for compensation if you have been injured as a result of violent crime.
www.cica.gov.uk

Family Law Association Scotland

The Family Law Association website has contact details for solicitors who specialise in family law, and also have further information on family law issues.
www.fla-scotland.co.uk

Family Mediation Scotland

Voluntary process that allows families facing divorce or separation to talk through problems and plan for the future.
www.familymediationscotland.org.uk

Hitting Home

BBC website offering information, help and support for anyone affected by domestic violence.
www.bbc.co.uk/health/hh/index.shtml

One Parent Families Scotland

National voluntary organisation offering advice and support for lone parents and their families.
National Lone Parent Helpline: 0800 018 5026
www.opfs.org.uk

Scottish Police Forces

Find out more about how the police in your area tackle domestic violence and get contact details of your nearest police station.
www.scottish.police.uk

Samaritans

If you are going through a hard time or feel depressed, desperate or suicidal and need someone to talk to anonymously, you can call the Samaritans free and in confidence. Lines are open 24 hours a day.
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org

Supportline

SupportLine is a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to children, young people and adults. SupportLine can take calls on a wide range of issues including relationships, child abuse, anger, bullying, self harm, domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.
Tel: 020 8554 9004
www.supportline.org.uk

Survivor Scotland

The Survivor Scotland website contains links to help and advice for people who are experiencing or have experienced sexual abuse in their childhood. The site links to agencies offering support, counselling and other forms of help.
www.survivorscotland.org.uk

Victims of Crime in Scotland

Scottish Government website offering help and advice for anyone affected by crime. It contains information on reporting crime, police procedures and victim support.
www.scottishvictimsofcrime.co.uk

Victim Support Scotland

Voluntary organisation offering practical help and information and emotional support to victims of crime.
Helpline: 0845 603 9213
www.victimsupportsco.org.uk