Domestic abuse

If you or your children have been assaulted or are in danger call 999.
If you can't speak you can cough or tap the phone to make a silent 999 call.

Ask the Police if your partner has a known history of domestic abuse by calling 101 or asking at a local police station.

Report a child at risk 

Report an adult at risk

Abuse can involve:

• Hitting, kicking, pushing or punching you
• Threatening you, your children, your family or pets
• Humiliating you in front of your children and others
• Forcing you to have sex
• Destroying your possessions
• Keeping you short of money
• Telling you that you are useless or ugly
• Accusing you of being unfaithful
• Ridiculing what you say or believe
• Isolating you from friends or family

If you are worried about someone seeing what you have searched for online visit the Women's Aid website for advice on hiding your tracks online.

Support if you have been sexually assaulted 

• Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. Emotional and practical support, information, and advocacy 
• NHS support - 24 hours, 7 days. A confidential phone line and support in the days after a sexual assault. It offers access to healthcare, forensic examination options, emotional support, and information about other services.
  0800 148 8888. Not automatic reporting to police. 
• Rape Crisis Scotland. Confidential support via helpline and webchat.
  08088 010302 
• Beira’s Place. Emotional support, advocacy, and information.
  0131 526 3944 
• Victim Support Scotland Emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime, including support through the criminal justice process.
  ​​​​​​​0333 034 1078.

Services for Women

• Scottish Women’s Rights Centre. Free legal advice and advocacy for women 
  0808 801 0789. 
• Women's Aid. Information, advocacy, support, and temporary accommodation. Also offer Court Advocacy Service if you have an active criminal court case.
  0131 561 5800 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
• Shakti Women’s Aid. Culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support for black minority ethnic women.
  0131 475 2399
• Safe Harbour - Support for women, in particular Black and Asian ethnic minority women or women who are selling or exchanging sex. Support includes housing, health, substance use, domestic abuse, and exit support.
• Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 24-hour support, advice, and information in multiple languages
  0800 027 1234.
• Surviving Economic Abuse information, tools, and support for people experiencing economic abuse and financial control.
  08081 968 845. 

Services for Men and LGBT+ People

• Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS).
  03300 949 395. 
• Survivors UK support for boys, men, and non-binary people. 
  0203 598 3898. 
• Respect Men’s Advice Line. Emotional support, practical advice, and information. 
  0808 8010327.
• Safe Harbour Emotional and practical support as well as safety planning for men and LGBT+ people
  0800 870 8585 
• ​​​​​​​Surviving Economic Abuse information, tools, and support for people experiencing economic abuse and financial control.
  08081 968 845. 

Support if you are worried about how you treat your partner

• Your Chance to Change provides support to men who are abusive towards their partners and want to change their behaviour. It is a voluntary behaviour change programme delivered through the Justice Service within Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
  0131 285 9600 (ask to speak to a Justice Duty Worker or Team Leader). 
  'Your Chance To Change' programme.
• Respect phoneline Support to change abusive behaviour.
  0808 802 4040.
• Stop It Now Advice if you are worried about your sexual behaviour involving children.
  0808 1000 900.