We can support you if the abuse occurred within an intimate relationship.
For specialist help, you can also contact:

• SARCS (Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service)
• Rape Crisis Scotland

Unfortunately, domestic abuse is fairly common, with one in four women in Scotland having experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives. Domestic abuse can affect any woman regardless of race, class, age, religion, sexuality, ability, income, lifestyle or location.

Police Scotland recorded 64,967 incidents of domestic abuse in 2024-25, an increase of 2% compared to the previous year.

It’s important to be able to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and to reach out for help when you can:

• Emotional abuse may involve: undermining your sense of self-worth through verbal abuse such as constant criticism, belittling, name-calling; emotional blackmailing, guilt-tripping and gaslighting; embarrassment or humiliation, being put down in front of others; isolation from friends and family by attempting to convince you that you are a bad mother/ daughter/ friend and that the abuse is your fault.
• Physical and/or sexual abuse may involve: pushing, hitting, punching, choking; using a weapon to threaten or hurt you, threatening death, destroying your belongings; forcing you to leave your home or preventing you from leaving, calling police or seeking medical attention; sexual assault, rape, forcing: unprotected sex, imitation of pornography, sex with others or non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (fka “revenge porn”).
• Economic abuse may involve: making or attempting to create financial dependence by maintaining control over financial resources. This may include: withholding access to money, forbidding attendance at school or employment, being forced to borrow money, make benefits claims and/or poor credit ratings.

Please note this list is on-exhaustive. Other forms of abuse may include, but are not limited to: honour based violence and abuse; forced marriage; trafficking; stalking and harassment; online and digital abuse.

Of course. Often, abuse only starts when a relationship is well established, with this abuse worsening over time. Abusers are skilled manipulators and will wear down their victims so that they no longer feel entitled to safety and so it is important that you contact us as soon as possible.

In Scotland domestic abuse includes intimate partner abuse by partners or ex-partners. Abuse from other family members may fall under Honour-Based Violence (HBV). If you are experiencing this, we can signpost you to specialist services such as Shakti.

Abusers who use alcohol and drugs may try to 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. However, it should be noted that evidence shows that it is not the root cause of the abuse. Substance misuse does not excuse abusive behaviour.

You may be. We want to dispel the outdated myth that domestic abuse manifests solely through physical harm or violence. Domestic abuse is not just about anger, it’s about power and control over another person.

The term “coercive control” is used to describe the common pattern of psychological abuse involving the use of intimidation or mind games. It may involve, but is not limited to, an abusive partner controlling where you go, who you see, what you wear and eat; monitoring your phone and internet activity; or even threatening self-harm.

Abuse can occur even in short-term or casual relationships. If you have experienced harm from someone you were romantically involved with, it may qualify as intimate partner abuse.

We support all women experiencing abuse, regardless of the abuser’s gender. For LGBTQ+ specific support, you can also contact:

• Galop (UK-wide, with Scottish workers)
• LGBT Youth Scotland

Yes, however, to proceed with the referral we would need that person’s consent.

We do not provide direct support for men, but we can refer you to:

• FearFree
• Respect
• ASSIST (court advocacy)

Unfortunately, we can only provide direct support to women living in the City of Edinburgh or whose court case is proceeding through Edinburgh Sheriff Court. However, you can find your nearest Women’s Aid group anywhere in Scotland using the Scottish Women’s Aid postcode finder

While our primary remit focuses on current domestic abuse cases, we can provide information and referrals to specialist services such as counselling, recovery programs, and group support. These services can help you process past experiences and begin healing

We may have limited spaces available with trainee counsellors. If not, we can provide a list of trusted counselling agencies that specialize in domestic abuse recovery.

We are not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. For emotional support, you can contact:

• Samaritans (24/7)
• Breathing Space
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7)

If you’ve left the property or he has, you are not legally required to store his belongings indefinitely. You can try using a third party to facilitate a return for your own safety. Set a reasonable timeframe for this to happen and record any communication about this. If you feel unsafe during this process, we can help you create a safety plan.

We can help you create a safety plan and recommend reporting concerns to the police.

For stalking, keep detailed records and report all incidents to the police. We can provide with further tailored safety planning.

Services like Lifeline can assist those fleeing DA with pet fostering.

If you are worried about your device being monitored, try to use a family member or friend’s device, an inexpensive or spare phone that your (ex-)partner is unaware of, or a work phone or email, to contact us. If that’s not possible, we offer an in-person drop-in service at our office.

Once referred, our team will also make a note on whether your phone number or email is safe to call, text or email your back on, and note any other relevant details.

Yes, you may have legal rights regarding your tenancy or property. We can refer you to legal advice services for guidance.

There different options available for you, which may include temporary and permanent social housing, or refuge spaces. Availability can vary, and we will help manage expectations and guide you through your options. You can also contact Shelter for specialist housing advice.

We can explain your parental rights and refer you for legal advice. Services like Children First can also provide support.

Support options include:

• Referral to Children and Young People (CYP) services
• Discussing support with their school
• MARDA groups for mothers
• Contacting Social Work if there are serious concerns on 0131 200 2324,
  or by emailing socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk

Yes, our Duty and EDDACS services are inclusive of trans women.