Violence Against Women and Girls

Women and girls often experience several forms of violence based on their gender including domestic abuse.

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These can include: domestic abuse; forced / child marriage; incest and childhood sexual abuse; female genital mutilation (a.k.a. female circumcision / cutting); so-called 'honour' crimes / 'honour' killings; sexual harassment; stalking; prostitution; sex trafficking; pornography. Thousands of women in Scotland and millions around the world are affected by these forms of violence.

  • Domestic abuse is the most prevalent form of violence against women and girls in Scotland and in Dumfries and Galloway.
  • Help is available; you're not alone. These organisations are willing to listen to you and to help you:

Police Scotland 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 027 1234 (24hrs).
Right to Ask: people can ask the Police about their partner's or potential partner's background if there is a concern that they may be abusive. People can also ask about the partner of someone they know if there is a concern that they may be abusive.
Dumfriesshire and Stewartry Women's Aid - 01387 263052 or 07710 152772 (24hrs)
Wigtownshire Women's Aid - 01776 703104 (24hrs)
TARA - Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance - 0141 276 7724 can provide crisis accommodation for victims of sex-trafficking (prostituted women) who are over 18 years old.

Specialist help for children and young people

ChildLine - 0800 1111
Female Circumcision / Cutting / Sunna / FGM
Disrespect NoBody
The Hideout

    Other sources of support

    Dumfries and Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - 01387 253113
    Social Work Services - 030 33 33 3001
    Rape Crisis Scotland - 0808 801 0302
    Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327
    Muslim Women's Resource Centre - 0808 801 0301
    Karma Nirvana Honour Network - 0800 5999 247
    Modern Slavery Helpline - 0800 0121 700
    Migrant (Trafficking) Help - 0141 884 7900
    Forced Marriage Helpline Scotland - 0800 027 1234
    Information for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

    Pornography Effects

    LetsTalkAboutPorn

    Icon for video Click HERE to watch! [8.18MB]

    Human Trafficking

    Human Trafficking happens when a person is forced or threatened, abducted, or lied to so that they agree to being transported to another country or other countries; or to another region or regions within a country to be exploited in prostitution, forced work and other forms of modern slavery, or for removing their organs.

    Sex Trafficking is linked with the Prostitution and Pornography industries and is the main form of Human Trafficking affecting women and girls.

    Human Trafficking in any of its forms is a violation of Human Rights.

    Find out more:

    Spot the signs! (it takes you to the Modern Slavery Helpline Website)

    Video: Human Trafficking is happening in Scotland

    Human Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy (Scottish Government)

    Human Trafficking and Exploitation Guidance for Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA)

    Human Trafficking and Exploitation Guidance for Health Workers (NHS)

    Human Trafficking Newsletter

    Human Trafficking Leaflets and Posters:

    DAART Training

    Click HERE to Access the DAART Training for Professionals 

    This training is an introduction to Domestic Abuse and provides an overview of the main considerations when responding to Domestic Abuse. However, it does not replace specialist training.

    UWS Thumbnail 

    Download: Domestic Abuse Reform in France (and the Links With UWS and the Violence Agsint Women and Girls Subcommittee) 

    John Sturgeon, lecturer in Social Work at the University of the West of Scotland, Dumfries.     Icon for pdf UWS 2021 [188.04KB]

    An image relating to Domestic abuse in Dumfries and Galloway
    Domestic abuse in Dumfries and Galloway
    Several local organisations and agencies are working together to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls across the region.
    An image relating to Common signs of domestic abuse
    Common signs of domestic abuse
    Domestic abuse can take many different forms. It isn't always easy to spot abuse or victims of abuse but there are some common signs of abuse.
    An image relating to Help for people living with domestic abuse
    Help for people living with domestic abuse
    There are many local and national organisations that can help if you're suffering because of domestic abuse or other forms of violence.
    An image relating to Helping someone who is suffering domestic abuse
    Helping someone who is suffering domestic abuse
    There are a number of things you can do to help someone else who is experiencing violence or abuse.
    An image relating to Stop your own abusive behaviour
    Stop your own abusive behaviour
    It's important to face up to how your abusive behaviour affects someone who is getting it as well as your/their family and friends. The more you understand what your behaviour is like for them then the harder it will be to behave like that.
    An image relating to Information for children and young people
    Information for children and young people
    Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse at home or in their own relationships.
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    Take action against violence against women and girls!
    Support the Dumfries and Galloway White Ribbon Campaign!
    An image relating to Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls training
    Domestic abuse and violence against women and girls training
    We provide a range of training, which is free of charge, to help local agencies and staff tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in Dumfries and Galloway. Let us know if you're interested in learning more about domestic abuse and violence against women.