Help and support
When people experience any kind of gender-based violence, it is very common for their emotions and mental health to be affected. They might feel anxious, ashamed, angry or numb. They may find it difficult to concentrate at school, or experience things like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression or have difficulty sleeping. All of this is a natural and understandable response to what has happened to them.
If you’ve been affected, however you might be feeling is OK and you don’t have to cope on your own. You are not to blame and you deserve to be supported. It may help to speak to someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, teacher or doctor. You may prefer to talk to someone that doesn’t 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.
Support services
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 doesn’t matter how or when it happened, we will listen to you, believe you and support you. If you are worried about a friend or if you are not sure if what you experienced 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 5pm – Midnight every night
- Phone: 08088 01 03 02
- Text: 07537 410 027
- Email: 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. 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 provide support for 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, such as 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 such as domestic abuse, forced marriage, or are living in a difficult situation at home.
- Phone: 0141 353 0859
Saheliya
Saheliya provide 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
