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FAQs

How do I know if what I’m experiencing is domestic abuse?
Talking about your concerns with someone outside of the situation can help. Contact us if you can on 0131 315 8110 – the information you give us will be kept strictly confidential.

How common is domestic abuse?
Unfortunately, domestic abuse is fairly common – one in four women in Scotland have experienced it at some point in their lives. In 2016-17 there were 58,810 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the police in Scotland, making it the greatest single demand on Police Scotland.

What does it involve?
Domestic abuse can take many forms – it can be physical, verbal, emotional, financial or sexual or a combination of these. It can involve stalking and/or digital control – over your access to and use of social media.  It can involve threats to you or your loved ones and/or isolation from friends and family.

Is domestic abuse caused by alcohol and drugs?
Abusers who use alcohol and drugs may use this as an excuse for their behaviour and they may behave more dangerously towards their victim when they have been using alcohol or drugs. But evidence shows that it is not the root cause of the abuse. Using alcohol and drugs does not excuse abusive behaviour.

This has happened to me before – why?
Women do not deliberately set out to find abusive men. Abusers are skilled manipulators and will wear down their victims so that they no longer feel entitled to safety. Added to this, often, abuse only starts when a relationship is well established.

I don’t feel in danger from my partner – can I still contact you?
Of course you can. Call into the office or phone us on 0131 315 8110.

I am worried about someone else, can I still contact you?
Of course you can, we will try and support you to support the person you are worried about.

I’m scared that my partner will find out that I’m contacting you. What do I do?
If you are worried about using your phone in case your phone is being monitored try to use a friend’s phone to contact us.  Alternatively you can email info@edinburghwomensaid.co.uk or direct message us on our Edinburgh Women’s Aid Facebook page.  Or you can come to our office and speak to a support worker –

Phone Support

0131 315 8110 – Follow this link for opening hour details of our Drop in and Phone Support Service

  If you think you and/or your children are in immediate danger, please call 999.