Clackmannanshire Council Online

Gender based violence

Gender based violence

Domestic abuse is a serious crime which can be perpetrated by partners or ex-partners.

Whilst domestic abuse is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women, we know that men also experience domestic abuse and that it occurs in same sex relationships. We also know that domestic abuse has a significant impact on children and young people.

Domestic abuse involves a range of behaviours, including

• Physical abuse
  • For example punching, choking, pushing, slapping, kicking
• Sexual abuse
  • Acts which are intended to degrade and humiliate and are perpetrated against a person's will, for example rape, being forced to watch pornography
• Mental and emotional abuse
  • For example threats, verbal abuse, withholding money and other controlling behaviour such as isolation from family and friends

Support organisations

For people being abused one of the most important things they can do is to seek help - it is also one of the most difficult.

There are a wide range of organisations that can help. They will never tell you what to do but will advise you of the options that you have and support any decisions that you make.

• Clackmannanshire Women's Aid
  • Tel: 01259 721407
• Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline (freephone, mobile network charges may apply)
  • Tel: 0800 027 1234
• Police Scotland
  • In an emergency always dial 999
    • Silent Solution
      • When you call 999, the operator will ask which emergency service is required. Listen to the questions from the 999 operator. If you cannot speak, respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can.
      • If prompted, press 55 on your phone. This lets the 999 call operator know it’s an emergency and that you aren’t safe to speak. More information from Safer Scotland.
    • Emergency text service
      • If you can’t call because you are blind/deaf or can’t verbally communicate, you can register with the police text service. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
    • Claire's Law
      • Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) gives people the right to ask about the background of their partner. It is also referred to as Claire's Law.
      • It also allows concerned relatives and friends, the right to ask about someone’s partner. They can ask if they have been abusive in the past.
      • DSDAS also gives Police Scotland the power to tell people that they may be at risk.
      • DSDAS PDF information document
  • For non emergency calls dial 101
  • Domestic Abuse Unit (Larbert) dial 01324 574905
• Clackmannanshire Council Homelessness Team
  • Tel: 0800 027 6566 (freephone)
  • The Council has a legal duty to help you if you are experiencing domestic abuse or are threatened by someone you live with or used to live with
• Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
  • Tel: 01786 439244
• Wellbeing Scotland
  • Tel: 01324 630 100
  • e: info@wellbeingscotland.org
• Victim Support Scotland
  • Tel: 0800 160 1985
  • Appointments available in Clackmannanshire
• Relationships Scotland
  • Tel: 01324 670067
  • (Couple Counselling Central Scotland)
• The Spark Counselling
  • Free Relationship Helpline for 16+ 0808 802 2088
  • Live chat function via website
  • Counselling appointments 18+
• Men's Advice Line
  • Tel: 0808 801 0327
  • Specifically for men experiencing domestic abuse
• Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS)
  • Helpline Tel: 0808 800 0024
    • available 9-4 Mon - Fri
  • National organisation providing support to any man affected by domestic abuse
• Survivors UK
  • Help for men who have been sexually abused or raped
  • Tel: 0203 598 3898
• The Programme, Ready for Change?
  • Help and support for men who recognise their behaviour is abusive
• Respect
  • Freephone: 0808 802 4040
  • Choose to stop: We provide help for domestic violence perpetrators
• LGBT Helpline
• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
  • The helpline is there to support anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.