What to do if you are a victim of domestic abuse

Riverside Scotland believes that everyone has the right to live without fear or abuse in their own homes and communities. We understand the severity of domestic abuse and take a zero-tolerance approach within our communities.

Our focus is to make sure all of our customers feel safe, and that any victim of domestic abuse has the help and assistance they need from us.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you may feel very alone and have no idea who or where to turn to. We’ll help you get the advice and support you need.

Remember that:

• You are not alone.
  
• Assault is a criminal offence – no one has no right to beat, verbally or sexually abuse you or your children.
  
• You are not responsible for the abuse and you are not to blame – it is your abuser who must take responsibility for their actions.
  
• Violence is never the way to solve conflict in the home.
  
• You can survive and move on from an abusive relationship.
  
• You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.
  
• We are here to help.
  

What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse means any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
There are different types of domestic abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional abuse, and being cut off from your family and friends.
Domestic abuse is one person taking control of another and using power over them.
Children are affected by domestic abuse in the home, either by seeing abuse or by being abused themselves (child abuse). If this happens it becomes a child protection issue.

What can we do?

We take all reports of domestic violence extremely seriously because we believe that every person has the right to live without fear or abuse in their own home. We aim to support you and your family in the right way that suits your personal needs, but our main priority is to keep you safe.

If you make a report to our team, we will make sure the information you give remains confidential and any conversations we have with you will be carried out in private. We can even meet face to face at a time and safe location that is convenient to you. Through our specialist schemes we may be able to:

• refer you to the best and most suitable organisations for greater support and counselling services within our network
• arrange for safer improvements to your home as required
• work with our partners such as the police to investigate any incidents
• if you are at immediate risk, we could refer you to the council for temporary accommodation and assist you in finding somewhere new to live that is safe, self-contained and fully furnished
• refer to specialist agencies as required

What to do if you are experiencing domestic abuse

If it is an emergency (a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured, you are being threatened or you are in immediate danger) you should always call 999.

National Domestic Violence helpline
A national helpline which is available every day of the year.
Freephone: 0808 2000 247

Contact us
We take all reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously. Our aim is to support you and your family in the right way that suits your personal needs, but our main priority is to keep you safe. You can contact us by:
Calling: 0345 112 6600
email: [email protected]

More help and advice

We can also signpost you to other specialist organisations for additional support and guidance. Take a look on our Safeguarding page for a list of organisations.