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Resources and Links

Policy and Legislation

Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018

The law now recognises psychological harm, as well as physical harm, as an offence.

This means that abusers engaging in patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour (behaviour that has taken place on two or more occasions) can now be punished by law.

Summary of how the offence works

For more information please visit safer.scot

Key Information

Violence Against Women and Girls Home

Strategies, Action Plans and Guidance

Equally Safe: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls (2018)

Uk Government Strategy

Tackling violence against women and girls Strategy 2021

Istanbul Convention

Istanbul Convention – The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence

Disclosure Scotland Scheme

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.

Right to Ask Leaflet

Please use the link below to access more information:-

Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland - Police Scotland

Equally Safe at Work

Equally Safe at Work is an innovative employer accreditation programme developed by Close the Gap which is being piloted in seven local councils across Scotland, including Shetland Islands Council. The programme aims to support employers to improve their employment practice to advance gender equality at work, and prevent violence against women.

Equally Safe at Work supports the implementation of Equally Safe, Scotland's national strategy to eradicate violence against women and girls. The strategy, which is jointly owned by Scottish Government and COSLA, recognises that violence against women is a cause and consequence of wider gender inequality. Addressing gender inequality in the workplace is therefore a fundamental step in preventing violence against women.

About Close the Gap - "Close the Gap is Scotland’s expert policy and advocacy organisation working on women’s labour market participation. We work with policymakers, employers and employees to influence and enable action to address the causes of women’s inequality at work. More information on Close the Gap's work is available on our website."

 

 

 

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Resources containing further information about Equally Safe at Work, types of Violence Against Women and the impact these have in the workplace, can be found below. Sources of support are also listed:

Equally Safe Accreditation Programme

Domestic Abuse

Sexual Harrassment

Rape and Sexual Assault

Stalking

'Honour-Based' Violence

Sources of Support

 

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Useful links 

Toolkits

Safe Lives knowledge hub

Speaking Out Learning Resource

Resources for children and Young People

Scottish Child Law Centre www.sclc.org.uk

 

Publications

Femicide Census report

Virtual World Real Fear

Disabled women and domestic violence

 

Research

Scottish Gender Based Violence Research Network

European Institute for Gender Equality

 

Training

Scottish Women's Aid Training and Events

Safe Lives

Mentors in Violence Prevention Programme – Training students to speak out against rape, dating violence, sexual harrassment, bullying and all forms of violent and abusive behaviour

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Women’s Aid

Rape Crisis Scotland

Safe Lives

National Domestic Abuse Adviceline - help for professionals

Scottish Women's Rights Centre

Engender

SAY Women

ASSIST

 

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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.

Domestic abuse is unacceptable and you have a right to be safe. You do have options and there are people who can help you.

These are the phone numbers and weblinks:

POLICE
In an emergency dial 999
Tel: 101 - Non Emergency calls
website

SHETLAND WOMEN'S AID
Tel: 01595 692070
Help for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. May be able to offer safe and secure accommodation for you and your children

office@shetlandwa.org

website

THE COMPASS CENTRE (formerly Shetland Rape Crisis)
Tel: 01595 747174 
Free and confidential information,advocacy and support for anyone in Shetland aged 13 and over affected by any form of sexual violence.

contact@compasscentre.org

website

VICTIM SUPPORT SCOTLAND
Support Co-ordinator - Joyce Horne
14 Market Street, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0DE
Tel: 01595 744524 / E Mail joyce.horne@victimsupportsco.org.uk
Free information, practical help, emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice system.  Empowering people affected by crime.
https://victimsupport.scot/
National Helpline 0800 160 1985

24 HOUR DOMESTIC ABUSE AND FORCED MARRIAGE HELPLINE
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Free confidential support for people who have experienced domestic abuse.
website

MEN'S ADVICE LINE
Tel: 0808 801 0327 
Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
website