If you need support after experiencing sexual misconduct, there are a number of specialist services that you can access.
Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline offers confidential, short-term crisis and initial support to anyone affected by sexual violence. They support survivors, as well as family, friends and supporters. Rape Crisis Scotland can put you in touch with their local Rape Crisis Centres or other services if you need longer-term support.
Call on 08088 01 03 02 or text 07537 410 027. You can also email support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk, or access the webchat. The service is available 17:00-00:00, 7 days a week.
Rape Crisis Edinburgh offers free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to anyone in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian who has experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
To make an appointment, call 07966 067 301 or email support@ercc.scot.
Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre offers practical and emotional support and information to all women in the Scottish Borders who have experienced rape or sexual violence at any time in their life. The service is LGBT+ inclusive.
Call 01896 661 070 or email support@sbrcc.org.uk. The centre is open 09:30-16:30 Monday to Friday.
Orkney Rape and Sexual Assault Service offers free and confidential information and support for anyone in Orkney affected by any form of sexual violence.
Call 01856 872298 or email contact@orsas.scot. The centre is open 09:00-16:30 Monday to Thursday.
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.
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.
Beira’s Place provides support to women living in Edinburgh who have experienced sexual assault. They can provide practical and emotional help for women, in a safe and supportive environment.
Call 0131 526 3944 to access the helpline, or email support@beirasplace.org.uk.
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.