Violence against women and girls

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

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

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

Human Trafficking Newsletter

Human Trafficking Leaflets and Posters:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Information for children and young people

Children and young people can be affected by domestic abuse at home or in their own relationships.

Take action against violence against women and girls!

Support the Dumfries and Galloway White Ribbon Campaign!

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.