WHAT IS RELATIONSHIP ABUSE? You can read more about what relationship abuse is.
THEIR IMMEDIATE SAFETY:
Help to ensure their safety
If they are at home or in the home of someone else – has the attacker gone? If they have contacted you can you help them to make themselves safe by calling the police or intervening in some other way? Call 999 for Police Scotland.
If you need a safe space or support from the University, on or off campus, call the University Security team on 0131455 6119.
This number is available 24 hours a day for University staff, students or other informants who need to report a serious incident that requires immediate and urgent response by the University.
Does the survivor have any injuries?
If the survivor has any physical symptoms after an assault help them to seek medical help.
If they have more than a very minor injury, or were unconscious for even a short time, you should take them to Accident and Emergency.
OFFERING SUPPORT:
If someone you know has experienced relationship abuse, it is important that you listen to them, and be open to what they are telling you. Try not to ask for a lot of detail, and make it clear that you are ready to listen. Offer practical support, such as directing them to the online Report and Support system, or providing details of specialist support services.
INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST SUPPORT:
There are a large number of support services you can call or visit who you can talk with.
- Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline Phone: 0800 027 1234 (24 hour service) Provides confidential information and support to anyone affected by forced marriage or domestic abuse.
- Edinburgh Women's Aid Phone: 0131 315 8110 Edinburgh Women’s Aid offers a free, confidential and non-judgemental service to women, children and young people in Edinburgh and surrounding areas who have experienced domestic abuse.
- Scottish Women's Aid Phone: 0131 226 6606 Provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women (and their children) who have been abused by their partner or ex-partner. They can recommend local groups.
- Victim Support Scotland Phone: 0345 603 9213 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) Provides information and support for victims and witnesses of crime.
- AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland) Phone: 0808 800 0024 Supports men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Call the confidential helpline (it's free to call from landlines and most UK mobiles, and doesn't appear on itemised phone bills)
- Respect Men's Advice Line Phone: 0808 801 0327 For men experiencing domestic abuse from their current or ex-partner
- SACRO Fearless Project Fearless is a support service for any man, or LGBTI+ person experiencing domestic abuse.
- AMINA Phone: 0808 801 0301 (Helpline Open Mon - Fri, 10am - 4pm) Helpline for Scotland providing support to women from minority backgrounds who have been affected by violence against women. Support is available in English, Urdu, Arabic, Bangla and Swahili. Service also runs a VAW awareness programme.
- mygov.scot Practical advice and Relationship Abuse Support
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:
Supporting a survivor can be difficult and it's OK to take time and space for yourself sometimes. It's important not to betray a survivor's trust by telling others about their experiences without their permission, but you can talk confidentially to and get specialist support from the services mentioned above.
EDINBURGH NAPIER SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS & STAFF:
- Report and Support. Students and staff can report an incident using the University’s Report and Support system. The purpose of this system is to provide support in the event of sexual violence or harassment. You can also choose to make an anonymous report.
- Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team - university can feel challenging at times, and you don’t have to face it alone. The Wellbeing and Inclusion Support Team are there to support you every step of the way. Arrange to speak with them — they will take the time to listen, understand your situation, and help identify the support that’s right for you. They can also guide you through your options and help connect you with the most appropriate services, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed and feel confident throughout your university journey.
- Health Assured. Health Assured is the provider of the University's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), helping colleagues to balance their work, family, and personal lives. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through its confidential counselling, legal, and information telephone helpline. Employees also have access to an online health portal, which includes live chat support, as well as the Wisdom app.
- Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) ENSA employs a team of professional advisers to provide one-to-one advice to Edinburgh Napier University students. It’s a free and comprehensive welfare rights and education service. They can offer information, support and advice and signposting and referral to more specialist services.
- Student Counselling and Mental Wellbeing. The team is here to help and support students throughout their time at University.
OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
- Samaritans are available to talk about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue. You don't have to be suicidal. Call: 116 123. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Breathing Space where experienced advisors will listen and offer information and advice. Call their Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87 Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am. Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
- Respect Phoneline – for perpetrators seeking help. Call: 0808 8024040 www.respectphoneline.org.uk