Domestic abuse: Where to find help in Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders

Domestic abuse is a constant issue in our region but there is usually an increase in incidents at this time of year.

In 2021, some police forces in the UK saw this type of crime account for more than half of their work.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, here is a list of contacts who can help in Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.

Dumfries and Galloway

• Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women's Aid - 01387 263052 or 07710 152772 (24hrs)

• Wigtownshire Women's Aid - 01776 703104 (24hrs)

• Dumfries and Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - 01387 253113

• Social Work Services - 030 33 33 3001

Cumbria

• Safety Net - Works with children, young people and families who have experience of rape, sexual abuse or domestic violence.

• Freedom Project - Confidential telephone helpline with qualified therapist and trainers for those suffering from abuse.

• Springboard South Lakeland - Offersa unique recovery package, tailored to the individual needs of people affected by domestic abuse.

• Independent Sexual Violence Advisor - Specialist support services for victims of sexual violence provided by fully qualified staff.

• Restorative Solutions - Working with children on parent violence.

• Women Out West - Helps women who are experiencing domestic abuse, crime and other issues which make women vulnerable.

• Scottish Borders

• Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC) - Main number: 01896 661 070 and Mobile number: 07584 149 691s

• Children1st - Domestic Abuse Community Service - 01750 22892

• Border Women's Aid -​ 01450 218 409

• Borderline - Operates every evening between 7pm and 10pm - 0800 027 4466.

National Helplines

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is staffed 24hrs - 0808 2000 247

• Womens Aid 24hr helpline - 0808 2000 247

• Childline 0800 1111

• National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline(Broken Rainbow) - 0800 999 5428

• The Mens Advice Line - 0808 16 89 111

• Respect (for perpetrators)- 0808 802 4040

• Rape Crisis Scotland - 0808 801 0302

• Right to Ask

• Abused Men in Scotland - 0808 800 0024

• Mankind - 01823 334244

• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline - 0800 027 1234

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police - the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak.

There are five categories of domestic abuse:

• Physical abuse: Any kind of physical violence, including objects being thrown or threats of the use of a weapon.

• Controlling behaviour: This can include controlling who the victim meets or speaks to, what they access on social media, what they wear and monitoring a person’s movements.

• Coercive behaviour: Where the victim is forced to do things against their will, or they are constantly shouted at, ridiculed, deliberately frightened, threatened or made to feel like they have to walk on eggshells.

• Financial abuse: Where the perpetrator controls the victim’s finances or restricts what money they can access for themselves or others.

• Psychological abuse: Where a perpetrator destroys the confidence, outlook or mindset of the victim.