Support groups and refuges
There is a wide range of support for people who are victim to domestic violence. The following organisations can advise you of the options available to you and support you with any decisions which you take.
Police
Central Scotland Police, along with all other Scottish police forces, work to a nationally agreed definition of domestic abuse, which has been adopted by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) and the Crown Office Procurator Fiscal Service, specifically:
"Any form of physical, sexual or mental and emotional abuse which might amount to criminal conduct and which takes place within the context of a close relationship. The relationship with be between partners (married, co-habiting or otherwise) or ex-partners. The abuse can be committed in the home or elsewhere."
If a domestic abuse incident has occurred, please call telephone 01786 456000 to report the incident to your local police officer. All police officers are trained to deal with Domestic Abuse Incidents, however if appropriate they may refer an incident of domestic abuse to the
Central Scotland Police Domestic Abuse Unit
Tel: 01324 678830.
In an emergency, such as if your life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.
Scottish Women's Aid
Scottish Women's aid provide advice, support and a safe refuge for women who have been, or are being domestically abused.
24 hour helpline: 0800 027 1234
Stirling Women's Aid:57 Barton Street, Stirling, FK8 1HH
Open Monday - Friday 09:30-16:30
Tel: 01786 470897
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland provide emotional support, practical help and essential information to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime, including domestic abuse.
Scottish helpline: 0845 603 9213 (Monday - Friday, 08:00-20:00)
UK helpline: 0845 30 30 900 (Monday-Friday, 09:00-21:00, weekends 09:00-19:00)
38 Forth Crescent, Riverside, Stirling, FK8 1LG
Open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00
Tel: 01786 445782
Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre
Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual abuse centre provide a free and confidential service which work towards the elimination of the effects of rape, sexual assault and child sexual abuse. This service is available for women, men and young people throughout Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre1 Glebe Avenue, Stirling, FK8 2HZ
Telephone: 01786 471771
Children 1st
Children 1st support families under stress, protect children from harm and neglect, help them to recover from abuse and promote children's rights and interests.
Tel: 0131 446 2300
Open secret
Offer support and a safe space to people over 12 years of age who have been affected by abuse. Support is free to anyone living in the Forth Valley.
Open secret
98 Thornhill Road, Falkirk, FK2 7AB
Tel: 01324 630100
Relationships Scotland
Relationships Scotland offer confidential relationship counselling and sexual therapy for couples and individuals, family mediation and family support.
Tel: 0845 119 2020
Family Mediation Central Scotland
12 Melville Terrace, Stirling, FK8 2NE
Open Monday-Friday 09:00-16:00
Telephone: 01786 472984
Relationships Scotland - Couple Conselling Central Scotland
9 Callendar Road, Falkirk, FK1 1XS
Open Monday-Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday 09:00-15:00
Telephone: 01324 670067
Shakti Women's aid
Shakti Women's aid offer information, counselling, support and safe accommodation for black and ethnic minority women and their children
Shakti Women's aid57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, FK7 5QY
Telephone: 0131 475 2399
Health
Professional staff at your local General Practitioners practice are able to respond appropriately to those who are, or have been, affected by domestic abuse. Contact details of General Practitioners around Stirling and nearby villages or West Stirling towns and villages.
Housing
Our Housing team have a duty to help you if it is likely that staying in your home will lead to domestic violence being threatened or committed against you or someone living with you.
Telephone: 0845 277 7000
Social Services
Our Social Services team can provide general information and advice on what steps to take in cases of domestic abuse, including advising on child care arrangements or welfare benefits.
Telephone: 0845 277 7000
Education
Children can be affected both directly and indirectly with Domestic abuse. This may lead to a variety of issues, such as the child's attendance, their behaviour or performance at school. Please contact the head teacher of the appropriate school. Further information Contact details for primary schools and secondary schools.
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