Women

There are some services which will only support women, some which will support both women and men and a small number that are for men only. These have been separated into services for women and services for men for ease of reference.

Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 027 1234

This national helpline provides support to people who have experienced domestic abuse; it is free and confidential and is available 24hours a day, 7 days a week.

Website: http://www.domesticabuse.co.uk/

Broken Rainbow Helpline – 08452 60 44 60

This is a UK helpline providing support to LGBT people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

The helpline is available on Mondays and Thursdays from 2pm - 8pm and on Wednesdays from 10am-1pm

Website: www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

Women’s Aid

A specialist domestic abuse support service for women. There are approximately 31 groups across Scotland, to find a group in a specific area please go to www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk/localgroup.html or, if speaking to the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline, they will also be able to refer to local groups – 0800 027 1234.

Website: www.scottishwomensaid.co.uk

Rape Crisis Scotland – 08088 01 03 02

This is a national rape crisis helpline for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. It is free and confidential and is available 7 days a week between 6pm and Midnight.

Website: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Victim Support Scotland – 0845 60 39 213

This is a national helpline service and is available Monday-Thursday: 9am–4.30pm and Friday: 9am–4pm, they can provide support and information and can also refer to local services.

Website: www.victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk

Victim Support UK also has a national helpline – 0845 30 30 900

This service has longer opening times and is available 9am–9pm Weekdays and 9am–7pm at Weekends.

Shelter – 0808 800 4444

This is a national housing helpline staffed by trained housing advisors and they can offer advice, guidance and practical housing assistance.

Website: http://scotland.shelter.org.uk

Care Line – 0845 122 8622

This is a national counselling support service and is available Monday to Friday 10am–1pm and 7pm–10pm

Website: www.carelineuk.org/

The Police

All areas have police domestic abuse liaison officers – call the local station to find out, advise someone experiencing domestic abuse to call 999 in an emergency.

Website: www.scottish.police.uk