Domestic violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the abuse of a person by someone they are, or have, been in a relationship with. Commonly, abuse is carried out by men against women, women can also abuse men and there can be abuse within same-sex relationships.

Domestic abuse can also affect children living in the victim's house. There are links between domestic abuse and all forms of child abuse. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event. It tends to increase in frequency and severity over time.

What is abuse?

Abuse could be in the form of a variety of actions including, but not restricted to, to the following:

Physical abuse

slapping, punching, kicking, strangling, burning, scalding, using weapons against . . .

Mental abuse

humiliation and degradation, threats, name-calling, reward and punishment for behaviour or non-behaviour.

Sexual abuse

forced to take part in sexual acts against your will, being sexually assaulted with objects, rape.

Who is abused?

Anyone could be a victim of domestic abuse.  Abuse can start at any time in a relationship.

Who to contact?

If you are being abused or an offence is being committed against you, please dial 999 in an emergency, or contact Central Scotland Police on telephone: 01786 456000

Harassment

Harassment can affect anyone at any age, in any environment.  For further information about harassment and who to speak to if you are being harassed, please see our page on harassment.

Children

We have a statutory duty to ensure children are protected from emotional, physical and sexual abuse and from neglect. If you are concerned that a child is being abused, please see our pages on Child Protection.

Adults

If you are an adult who is being harmed or someone you know is being harmed or is suffering from neglect, please contact Social Services on telephone: 0845 277 7000 Further information about Adult Support and Protection.

Support groups and refuges

There may be many reasons why you may not want to leave an abusive relationship, such as financial reasons, practical issues (such as fear of your children being harmed or the abuser gaining custody), or fear of retribution, however the most important thing you can do is seek help.  A variety of organisations can offer support and advice for people who are victims of domestic violence.  For further information about which support groups and refuges are available, please see Support groups and refuges.

Further information…