Domestic Abuse

In 2021-22 there were 118 incidents, per 10,000 population, of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland.

Dundee City (172), West Dumbartonshire (161) and Glasgow (147) recorded the highest incident rates in the country. 

It is important to know just what domestic abuse is and how to spot it. 

We have compiled together a list of different organisations and phone numbers that can help. 

You are not alone. 

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, domestic abuse or intimate partner violence is a pattern of behaviours in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic and/or psychological.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class.

Recognising the signs of Domestic Abuse

Look over the following questions and think about how you or someone you know is being treated and/ or how you or someone you know treats their partner:

Do they...

  • Embarrass or make fun of you in front of your friends or family?
  • Put down your accomplishments?
  • Make you feel like you are unable to make decisions?
  • Use intimidation or threats?
  • Tell you that you are nothing without them?
  • Treat you roughly - grab, push, shove or even hit?
  • Call you over and over again to make sure you are where you said you would be?
  • Use drugs and/or alcohol as an excuse for saying hurtful things to you?
  • Blame you for how they feel or act?
  • Pressure you sexually for things you are not ready for?
  • Cut you off from friends and family?
  • Make you feel like there is 'no way out'?
  • Stop you from doing things you want to do with no reasonable explanation?

Do you...

  • Feel scared of how your partner may behave?
  • Constantly make excuses to other people for your partner's behavior?
  • Believe that you can help your partner change if you change something about yourself?
  • Walk on eggshells around your partner - Try not to do anything that would cause conflict or make them angry?
  • Always do what your partner wants instead of what you want?
  • Stay with your partner because you are afraid of what would happen if you left them?
Emergency Helplines

Always remember, NO ONE deserves to be abused. The abuse is not your fault. You are not alone.

0800 027 1234 – Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline 24/7

03300 949 395 – Abused Men in Scotland

0800 5999 247 – Karma Nirvana (Support for domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based abuse)

08088 010 789 – Scottish Women’s Right Centre (free and confidential legal information for women affected by gender-based violence)

0141 353 0859 – Hermat Gryffe (support for Asian, black and minority ethnic women)

0131 475 2399 – SHAKTI Women’s Aid (Support for black women)

0808 801 0301 – Amina (support for Muslim and Black women)

0800 999 5428 – Galop (Support for people who have experience sexuality-based abuse, sexual violence or domestic abuse)

0808 801 0327 – Respect Men’s Advice Line (support for men who are victims of abuse)

0131 226 6606 – Scottish Women’s Aid

0800 160 1985 – Victim Support Scotland (Support for all victims of crime)

0808 802 4040 – Respect (helpline for anyone concerned about their violence and-or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner)