If you are experiencing relationship abuse, you may feel trapped or be reluctant to report it through fear of what might happen. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and there are a number of services available who want to help you. Relationship abuse is not your fault and there is support available to help you find a way out.
Your immediate safety If you are experiencing relationship abuse or domestic violence, you should try to get yourself to safety.
Consider whether it is safe for you to leave or contact help. If the attacker is gone, you should contact a friend or family member for help or call the police.
Independent specialist support (UK specific) If you’re unable to speak, you can use the Silent Solution system: call 999, then press 55 when prompted – this lets the operator know the call is genuine, and you will be put through to the police. You may also seek help by subtly messaging a friend or family member.
If the incident has just happened, try and get to a safe space or somewhere you feel comfortable in the house. Try to stay near a door or exit - you should avoid rooms where you could become trapped or where there might be weapons.
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you should contact the emergency services.
If you have any injuries, you should seek medical help. If you are on campus, you can contact the University SafeGuarding Services by using the SafeZone App. SafeGuarding officers are fully first aid trained and can help arrange external medical attention if necessary.
Scottish Campuses specific: Alternatively, you can visit your local Accident & Emergency department. The nearest A&E unit for Edinburgh is located at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the nearest Minor Injuries unit is located at Western General Hospital in Craigleith. Those in the Scottish Borders Campus can access A&E at Borders General Hospital, whilst those in Orkney should attend Balfour Hospital Emergency department.
It is up to you how much information you provide others. However, emergency services and hospital staff will be able to offer you better advice if they are aware of the circumstances.
Your long-term safety Whether or not you feel you can leave the relationship, there are things you can do to keep you and your family safe. If you’re living with an abusive partner or they know where you live, you may want to develop a safety plan. The Student Wellbeing Services and CareFirst can provide support with this, for students and staff respectively.
Scottish Campuses specific: You can also access advice and download a safety plan template from Scottish Women’s Aid or Police Scotland.
Experiencing relationship abuse can be very isolating and may make you feel helpless. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. If you can’t speak to someone about what is happening, then there are a number of resources online that you can access online that provide support and advice to those in a similar situation. See the list of independent specialist support services for more information.