Domestic abuse has a profoundly damaging effect on many people's lives. The national campaign to combat domestic abuse is overseen by the Violence Reduction Unit.

Find out more about the national campaign to reduce domestic abuse

Domestic abuse leaflet – language versions

The information on this page is also available in a five language versions:

• Physical abuse includes
• Sexual abuse includes
• Emotional abuse includes
• The abuser can be
• The victim can be
• How does it affect victims ?
• What can you do ?
• What can the Police do?
• What can the Domestic Abuse Liason Officer (DALO) do?
• Contact Numbers
  

Lothian and Borders Police is committed to providing a professional and consistent approach to victims of Domestic Abuse. Some people think domestic abuse is only about physical violence. However, many people suffer years of domestic abuse where violence is minimal or absent but experience persistent verbal and emotional abuse.  Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event but it tends to get worse over time.

Physical abuse includes:

• All types of assaults and physical attacks like hitting, punching, burning and pulling hair

Sexual abuse includes:

• Forcing sex
• Sexual assault using objects

Emotional abuse includes:

• Threats
• Constant criticism or name calling
• Keeping you financially insecure
• Controlling where you go and what you do
• Isolating you from friends and family
• Threatening your children
• Accusing you of being unfaithful

The abuser can be

• A partner or ex-partner
• Male or female
• Rich or poor
• A “respected” member of the community

The victim can be

• Male or female (including same sex relationships)
• Not necessarily living with the abuser
• Of any age including elderly people
• Of any race or religion

How does it affect victims?

Many victims receive injuries but emotional or mental abuse can cause long-term problems:

• Lack of self-confidence and self-esteem
• Unable to make decisions
• Depression
• Isolation from friends and family

Children often hear or witness the abuse and can be affected by it:

• Feelings of anger, guilt, fear, isolation
• Anxiety, depression, withdrawal
• Asthma, bedwetting, eczema
• Not allowed to see family or friends
• Possessions and pets damaged
• Disruption to schooling

What can you do?

There are three important steps to take

• Recognise that it is happening to you
• Accept that you are not to blame
• Get help and support

The one thing you don’t have to do is put up with it. There are many people who can help – don’t be afraid to ask for help more than once

In an emergency

• Dial 999 – the police may remove the abuser and will provide advice on protection
• And or get out immediately  - if you need to return to the house police may help you.

At other times

• Let someone know what is going on and ascertain how they can support you
• Report and explain any injuries to your doctor or other health worker

What can the police do?

Physical and sexual abuse and threats of violence are crimes and the police take such incidents seriously. The main concern is the safety and well being of victims and their children. The police can:

• Calm down the situation and separate those involved
• Arrange medical aid and a safe place for you to go
• Will speak to you separately form the abuser – you can ask to speak to a female officer
• Provide advice on your protection
• If a crime has occurred and there is sufficient evidence police may arrest the abuser and remove him/her from the home
• In most cases where a person is arrested they will be held in custody to appear in court
• As a result of a police report courts may impose a bail condition preventing the abuser from approaching the victim or house
• May put you in touch with the specialist Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer who may phone or visit you (not in uniform)

What can the Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer (DALO) do?

• The DALO understands that everyone’s situation is different and you won’t be forced to make any choices you don’t want to make
• Can provide you with information about your legal rights and legal options
• Explain court and police procedures
• Help you with information about other agencies who can provide practical support and assistance
• Liase with other support agencies on your behalf 

In Partnership, Challenging Domestic Abuse, the Joint Protocol between the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) was launched at the Scottish Women's Aid Conference, on Wednesday 24th November 2004.

http://www.crownoffice.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/13545/0000143.pdf

The Protocol outlines the procedures and practices that will be followed by all eight Scottish Police Forces and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

The Protocol has been agreed in order to, identify best practice and obtain consistency of approach in the investigation, reporting and prosecution of these cases, with a view to improving the service we provide to the public, and in particular to victims, in dealing with criminal conduct arising from domestic abuse incidents.

Contact Numbers

Police – dial 999 or call your local police station

Police - Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers

Edinburgh City -  0131 316 6683
East and Mid Lothian - 0131 561 6124
West Lothian - 01506 656023
Scottish Borders - 01896 662713