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Domestic abuse and getting emergency housing

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If you’re in danger, call the police on 999.

You can get emergency help and a safe place to stay if you’re at risk of domestic abuse. The council must give you emergency accommodation if you need it.

You do not have to speak with the police or the council if you do not want to. Other organisations can help you, for example by helping you find a refuge or make a plan to leave.

Examples of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is behaviour that causes you mental or physical harm. This can be by a partner or ex-partner.

Anyone can experience domestic abuse, including women, men and non-binary people.

Examples of domestic abuse include:

  • physical or sexual violence

  • isolating you from friends or family

  • frightening, humiliating or punishing you

  • financial abuse such as controlling your money or building up debts in your name

  • coercive control, telling you where you can and cannot go, or controlling your social media

For advice on staying safe in your home or leaving safely, check guidance from Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline.

Finding a refuge

Refuges are temporary accommodation for women who have experienced domestic abuse. They are a safe place to stay where you can get support. They are sometimes called women's shelters.

You can stay in a refuge if you're on your own or if you have children. The address of the refuge is not public.

Who to contact to find a refuge

You can call Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline to find a refuge. They can also give you advice on how to stay safe and help you make a plan to leave. 

The helpline is open 24 hours a day.

You can also find a refuge through your local Scottish Women’s Aid branch. Contact them by phone, email or by visiting in person.

Getting emergency accommodation from the council

The council must help you if you need to leave your home because of domestic abuse. They must give you emergency housing as soon as you need it.

You can go to any council in Scotland. You do not need to have a local connection there.

You do not need to give the council evidence such as a police report. The council cannot contact your abuser or tell them where you are.

Check our advice on getting emergency accommodation from the council.

Getting a transfer if you rent from the council or housing association

If you do not live with the abuser but you are not safe in your home, you can ask the council to move you to a new tenancy somewhere safe. This is sometimes called a management transfer. 

Check our advice on getting a transfer if you have a social tenancy.

Getting help based on your situation

Call the police on 999 if you or your family are in immediate danger.

If you’re reporting something that happened before or you’re worried could happen later, call them on 101.

You can get help whether or not you still live with the abuser.

Specialist support for black or minority ethnic woman

You can contact Shakti Women’s Aid. They’ll help you with your rights and support you if you are under pressure from family or your community. They can help you if you're on your own or if you have children.

If you have children

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and you have children, you can contact Aberlour Children’s Charity.

If you’re a man

Contact:

If you’re LGBTQ+

Contact FearFree for support with safety, advocacy and finding a safe home.

Help to pay rent or bills

You will usually need to pay some rent to stay in a refuge or emergency accommodation. What you’ll be asked to pay depends on your circumstances.

If you’re worried you cannot afford your rent or bills, check our advice on getting money and debt help.

An adviser can help you:

  • get benefits and grants

  • budget and reduce your costs

  • negotiate with your lender or landlord

  • make repayments on debts

If you need to pay rent for 2 homes temporarily, check our advice on getting benefits for 2 homes.

If you decide to leave your home permanently and you’re on the tenancy agreement, make sure to end your tenancy correctly. Otherwise, you could still be responsible for paying the rent.

Check our advice on how to end your tenancy.

Last updated: 23 July 2025

Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.

This content applies to Scotland only.

Get advice if you're in England