Help and support

Your emotions and mental health may be affected for if you have experienced gender-based violence.

You might feel anxious, ashamed, angry or numb.

You might find it difficult to concentrate at school. You might also experience things like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression or have difficulty sleeping. All of these are natural ways to feel.

If you have been affected, you do not have to cope on your own. What happened was not your fault and you deserve to be supported. It may help to speak to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, teacher or doctor.

You may prefer to talk to someone that does not know you and you can do this by contacting any of the services listed below. These services are there to help and support you. Some of them offer text, email or webchat as well as phone support.

You can also visit Young Scot’s That’s Not OK webpages to read more about gender-based violence and help for young people.

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline

You can call to speak to someone if you are aged 13+ and have been affected by any kind of sexual violence, at any time in your life. It does not matter how or when it happened, we will listen to you, believe you and support you.

You might be worried about a friend or not sure if what happened was sexual violence. We can support you with this and help you to understand how you are feeling. We can speak to you in your preferred language through an interpreter.

Open 6pm – Midnight every night
Phone: 08088 01 03 02
Text: 07537 410 027
E-mail: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

 

Shakti Women’s Aid

Shakti offer support for young people who are affected by issues like domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour based violence or FGM (Female Genital Mutilation). You can call and speak to someone who will help you find support.

Phone: 0131 475 2399

Childline

Anyone under the age of 19 can call Childline to talk about anything that’s worrying them. You can speak to someone on the phone or using online chat on the website. The person you speak to will listen, let you take your time and won’t judge you. The number is free and won’t appear on a phone bill.

Phone: 0800 11 11
Online counsellor chat: childline.org.uk

Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

You can call this helpline for support if you or someone you know may be at risk of forced marriage, no matter what age you are. They also give support to anyone aged 16+ who is affected by domestic abuse. You can call the Helpline in your preferred language through a confidential interpreter or use webchat or email instead over at www.sdafmh.org.uk.

Open 24 hours per day, every day
Phone: 0800 027 1234

Amina Helpline

Amina MWRC (Muslim Women’s Resource Centre) offer support for Muslim and minority ethnic women. You can call the helpline to talk about issues affecting you, like family, relationships, domestic abuse, mental health, immigration, and other topics.

Open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Phone: 0808 801 0301

Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid

Hemat Gryffe offer help for women, children and young people who have experienced issues like domestic abuse, forced marriage, or are living in a difficult situation at home.

Phone: 0141 353 0859

Saheliya

Saheliya give support with mental health and wellbeing for black, minority ethnic, asylum seeking, refugee and migrant women and girls aged 12+, who are living in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area. You can call and speak to someone on the numbers below.

Edinburgh 0131 556 9302

Glasgow 0141 552 6540