Domestic abuse is persistent and controlling behaviour by a partner or ex-partner which causes emotional, physical, sexual and/or financial harm.
It often gets worse over time. In a majority of cases it is experienced by women and children and is perpetrated by men. Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, regardless of age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status. Domestic abuse is a violation of human rights and never the fault of the victim (East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid).
The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 created a statutory offence of domestic abuse against a partner or ex-partner. The offence defines abusive behaviour as that which is violent, threatening or intimidating. Behaviour whose purpose is one of the following:
- making a partner dependent or subordinate;
- isolating a partner from friends, relatives or other sources of support;
- controlling, regulating or monitoring a partner's day-to-day activities;
- depriving a partner of, or restricting, freedom of action; or
- frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing a partner.
Further information and support
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East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid |
A local organisation providing information, support and safe refuge accommodation for women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Outreach service in primary and secondary schools for children and young people who have experience of domestic abuse. |
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Abused Men in Scotland |
A national organisation dedicated to supporting men who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.
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Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery (CEDAR) Project |
An East Dunbartonshire therapeutic group work programme for children, young people (aged 4-16) and their mothers, with the main aim of helping mothers to understand the effect of domestic abuse on children and to support children in their recovery. |
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Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis |
A support service for women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime.
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Scotland’s National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline |
A confidential 24-hour support service for anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.
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Galop |
A confidential LGBT+ service for all members of the LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them. Information and support on hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system. |
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Scottish Women’s Rights Centre |
The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre help women aged 16 and over affected by violence and abuse by providing free legal information and advice. Weekly surgeries in Glasgow and monthly surgeries in Lanarkshire available. |
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Police Scotland |
Information about how to report domestic abuse The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scheme gives men and women the right to ask about the background of their partner, potential partner or someone who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive. |
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Childline |
A free and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they are going through including domestic abuse. |
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Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it is happening. |