YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE SAFE AND THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU
In an emergency always call 999
Domestic Abuse: Support - Staying Safe mygov.scot
Directory of Services
- Local Services
Shetland Women’s Aid
Tel: 01595 692070
Women’s Aid provides help to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. They may be able to offer safe and secure accommodation for you and your children.The Compass Centre
Tel: 01595 747174
The Compass Centre, formally Shetland Rape Crisis provides free and confidential information, advocacy and support for anyone in Shetland aged 13 and over affected by any form of sexual violence.Victim Support Shetland
Tel: 01595 744524
Victim Support Shetland provides victims of crime with free and confidential emotional and practical assistance and information about the criminal justice system.Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau
Tel: 01595 694696
Shetland Citizens Advice Bureau provides free and confidential advice and information whatever your problem. We can represent you formally at tribunal hearings. - Services for Children and Young People
Childline
Tel: 0800 1111
Childline is a free, private, and confidential service where you can be you. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, however you want to get in touch. They are there for you online, on the phone, anytime.LGBT Youth Scotland - LGBT Youth Scotland’s website provides information on identifying domestic abuse and what to do in a crisis. LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and
community-based organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in
Scotland.18U - 18U provides information and support to young people who have been abused in any way. You can visit in person in Dundee, by, phone on Facebook, text, WhatsApp, snapchat or I-Message
- National Services
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234
Free confidential 24-hour support for people who have experienced domestic abuse.Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline
Tel: 08088 01 03 02
Crisis support for anyone in Scotland affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives.Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland
(RASHASH)
Tel: 03330 066909
RASASH provides free and confidential information, advocacy and support to anyone aged 13 or over who is affected by sexual violence.Scottish Women’s Aid
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Women’s Aid provides help to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. They may be able to offer safe and secure accommodation for you and your children.Scottish Legal Aid Board
Legal Help Information Line
Tel: 0131 226 7061
Helps individuals on low and modest incomes gain access to the legal system. Provides help towards the costs of legal advice and representation, for those who qualify, paid for out of public funds.Civil Legal Aid Assistance (Highlands and Islands)
Tel: 01463 641 770
Employs solicitors to provide civil legal assistance direct to clients and address unmet legal need under Part V of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986.Scottish Women’s Rights Centre
Tel: 08088 010 789
Provides free legal information and advice to women who have been affected by any form of Gender Based ViolenceRespect Phoneline
Tel: 0808 802 4040
Will offer anyone who is worried that their own behaviour towards a partner is abusive, a chance to get support to stop and change. Can also support concerned friends and family. - Services for Men
Men’s Advice Line
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence or abuse.Abused Men in Scotland
Tel: 03300 949 395
Provides direct support to men experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland, as well as helping to improve mainstream service responsesSurvivorsUK
Tel: 020 359 83898
SurvivorsUK offer web chat services for men provided by trained professionals who are specialists in the field of male sexual violence, including childhood sexual abuse and adult rape.Respect Phoneline
Tel: 0808 802 4040
Will offer anyone who is worried that their own behaviour towards a partner is abusive, a chance to get support to stop and change. Can also support concerned friends and family.White Ribbon Scotland White Ribbon Scotland is a campaign to involve men in tackling violence against women.
- LGBT Services
LGBT SUPPORT SERVICES
Galop
Tel: 0800 999 5428
Provides emotional and practical support for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse.LGBT Youth Scotland LGBT Youth Scotland’s website provides information on identifying domestic abuse and what to do in a crisis. LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.
Over 100 cases of domestic abuse take place in Shetland every year. There were 64,807 cases recorded in Scotland from 2021-22 - where gender information was recorded every 4 in 5 incidents of domestic abuse involved a female victim and a male suspected perpetrator. Domestic Abuse affects people across our community regardless of sex, race, age, religion, sexuality, income or lifestyle.
If you are leaving an abusive relationship it may help to take these items with you
Disclosure Scotland Scheme
- DSDAS - Right to Ask
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) gives people the Right to Ask about the background of their partner.
It also allows concerned relatives and friends, the right to ask about someone’s partner. They can ask if they have been abusive in the past.
DSDAS also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they may be at risk. This information can be given if it is not asked for.
Where we have information that a person may be at harm of domestic abuse by their partner, we have the power to tell them.
DSDAS allows people to make the choice on whether to remain in the relationship. Police Scotland and our partners can then help and support them.
