If you need support after experiencing sexual assault, there are a number of specialist services that you can access.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline offers support to anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.
Call 0800 027 1234 or email helpline@sdafm.org.uk. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Edinburgh Women’s Aid offers a free, confidential and non-judgemental service to women living in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas who have experienced domestic abuse.
Call the helpline on 0131 315 8110. The helpline is available 10:00-15:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00-19:00 on Tuesday and 10:00-13:00 on Saturday.
Scottish Women’s Aid offers advice and practical support for women who have been abused by their partner or ex-partner. They can provide access to safe accommodation for women and their children.
Call 0131 226 6606 or email info@womensaid.scot.
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre offers free and confidential legal advice and advocacy support for women who have been affected by violence and abuse.
Call the helpline on 08088 010 789. The helpline is available 10:00-12:30 on Mondays, 12:00-15:00 on Tuesday and 10:00-13:00 on Wednesdays.
Hersana supports black women who have experienced any form of gender-based violence. They provide support, access to justice and counselling for women who have been affected, as well as their friends and family.
Call 0333 016 9610 or access the online LiveChat feature. You can also refer yourself for therapy via phone or using the online self-referral form.
AMINA – The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre provides a Telephone Befriending service for a listening eat and wellbeing support, as well as a Helpline for Muslim women affected by domestic abuse.
Call 0808 802 0301 to access support and information about anything that may be bothering you. Both services are available 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday.
Shakti Women’s Aid offers help for black and minority ethnic (BAME) women living in Edinburgh who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Their helpline is free of charge and completely confidential.
Call the helpline on 0131 475 2399 or email info@shaktiedinburgh.co.uk. The helpline is available 09:30-16:00 Monday to Friday, and 13:00-16:00 on Tuesday.
You can also call the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234. This service is available 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.
Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS) supports men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. They offer a free and confidential helpline service for men, as well as their families and friends.
Call 03300 949 395. The helpline is available 09:00-16:00 Monday to Friday.
Survivors UK's National Male Survivors Online Helpline provides information and support to boys, men, and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. They also offer support for friends and families of survivors.
Text 020 332 1860 or chat online to access specialist support for up to 45 minutes per day. The service is available 12:00-20:00 Monday to Sunday.
FearFree offers support for men or LGBT+ individuals in Scotland who are experiencing domestic abuse. They offer a range of support including safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, mentoring and practical support.
Call 0131 624 7270 or email fearfreeinfo@sacro.org.uk to make a referral either for yourself or someone else.
Galop's National Helpline for LGBT+ Victims and Survivors of Abuse and Violence is for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, ‘conversion therapy’ or any other kind of abuse. They can provide information and emotional support, and help you explore your options depending on your needs.
Call 0800 999 5428 or email help@galop.org.uk. The helpline is available 10:00-20:30 Monday to Thursday, and 10:00-16:30 on Friday.
Revenge Porn Helpline is the UK’s only service dedicated to providing expert support for adult victims of revenge porn. The service offers free, confidential support and assistance with reporting content that has been shared online.
Call 0345 6000 459 or email help@revengeppornhelpline.org.uk. The helpline is available 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday.
Victim Support Scotland provides free and confidential help to victims of crime, their family, friends and anyone else affected. They give information, and emotional and practical support.
Call 0800 160 1985. The helpline is available 08:00-20:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00-01:00 on Saturday. You can also contact them via their webchat service, or by completing the online Self-Referral form.
Samaritans provide a completely confidential helpline for anyone who is worried or feeling troubled. They are there to listen to any worries or problems you’re facing and talk you through your experiences. You don’t have to be suicidal to use the service.
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Breathing Space is for people feeling overwhelmed or troubled by their thoughts and feelings to talk about what they’re experiencing. They are there to listen to you and can offer relevant information and advice.
Call 0800 83 85 87. The helpline is open 18:00-02:00 Monday to Thursday, and 18:00-06:00 Friday to Monday.