Are you in immediate danger?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.  If you're not able to speak, press 55 at any time and you will automatically be transferred to the police.

 

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is a traumatic crime that can happen to anyone.  We want you to know that, if you are experiencing abuse, it's not your fault and you're not alone.  We take reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously and we'll help you get the support you need.

Domestic abuse most often happens between people aged 16 or over.  In most cases, the abuser is a partner or ex-partner, but they might be a family member or carer.

Domestic abuse comes in all different shapes and sizes.  It's any kind of behaviour that's used to harm, punish, frighten, degrade or control someone.  The most common types are physical or sexual abuse and threatening or violent behaviour.

 

Bield Tenants

We will listen to you to find the best way to help you.

We can explore extra security features, as well as arrange management transfers.  Talk to us to let us know how we can help.

Applicants

We award extra points to applicants who are looking to escape domestic abuse.  Complete the question on our application form to be awarded these points.

Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS)

The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (DSDAS) offers a way for people to gain crucial information about their partner’s history if they’re concerned about potential abuse. Since its launch across Scotland on 1 October 2015, DSDAS has empowered individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their safety and relationships.

 

How Does DSDAS Work?

  • Peace of Mind for Partners – If someone has concerns about their partner’s past, they can submit a request to find out if there is a history of abusive behavior.
  • Support for Friends and Family – Relatives, friends, or other concerned individuals can also make inquiries if they are worried about someone’s safety in their relationship.
  • Police Scotland’s Role – Police Scotland may proactively share information with those at risk if a partner’s history raises concerns.

 

What Happens if There’s a Risk?

If Police Scotland determines that sharing information is necessary and proportionate to the risk, the person at potential risk (or someone close to them) will receive the relevant information. This allows them to make an informed decision about continuing the relationship, with access to further support and resources.

 

Want to Know More?

We’re committed to promoting this valuable scheme among our staff and customers, helping everyone feel safer and more informed. If you or someone you know could benefit from DSDAS, you can apply directly through Police Scotland by visiting Police Scotland’s DSDAS Application Form.

After applying, the request is processed by Police Scotland’s domestic abuse department, where a decision will be made based on the risk level.

What does domestic abuse look like?

Control

Examples of controlling behaviour include:

  • Stopping you from going out, taking your car keys away, etc.
  • Not letting you meet up with your family or friends
  • Keeping tabs on where you're going all the time
  • Telling you what time you have to be home
Isolation

Examples of isolation include:

  • Keeping you away from your family and friends
  • Stopping you from coming and going when you want to
  • Cutting off any help you get from outside your home
Physical abuse

Physical abuse can be any violent or threatening physical contact including:

  • Hitting, kicking or punching
  • Spitting
  • Breaking bones or causing bruises
  • Driving dangerously when you're a passenger in the car
  • Grabbing, burning and stabbing
Sexual abuse

Examples of sexual abuse can include:

  • Rape and any sexual acts you haven’t agreed to
  • Aggressive interaction that you do not consent to that leaves you in pain
  • Forcing you into sex work
  • Revenge porn (where private sexual pictures or videos are shared without your permission)
Emotional abuse and intimidation

Examples of emotional abuse and intimidation include:

  • Saying nasty things about your appearance
  • Making you feel stupid and that your views and opinions don't matter
  • Gaslighting (someone always disagreeing with you or refusing to listen to your point of view to make you unsure about your own ideas and thoughts)

Verbal abuse

Examples of verbal abuse include:

  • Name calling
  • Speaking in a threatening way
  • Using language that's threatening, humiliating, intimidating or frightening

Financial abuse

Examples of financial abuse include:

  • Not letting you use your bank account
  • Hiding your purse/wallet
  • Stopping you from working and earning your own money
  • Spending your money without permission
  • Borrowing money in your name without permission
  • Checking your bank statements all the time to see where you've been and what you've been buying

Stalking

Examples of stalking include:

  • Following you when you're out and about
  • Waiting outside your home
  • Regularly sending you unwanted texts, voicemails, emails or letters

Cultural abuse

Examples of cultural abuse include:

  • Stopping you from taking part in your religious, spiritual or cultural activities
  • Cutting you off from your cultural community
  • Criticising your cultural beliefs and practices
  • Honour-based violence
  • Forced marriage
  • Female genital mutilation

Social media abuse

Examples of social media abuse include:

  • Demanding to know your passwords and watching everything you’re doing on social media
  • Putting tracking devices on your phone
 
 

Need advice and support?

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

For support you can call the 24/7 helpline on 0808 200 247 and speak to a member of the all-female team or, if you find talking difficult, you can use the online chat by visiting their website.

Men's Advice Line UK

Men can also experience domestic abuse and Men's Advice Line offer specialist support on 0808 801 0327 or info@mensadviceline.org.uk 

An online webchat is also available via their website.

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

24/7 support is available from Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 123 or helpline@sdafmh.org.uk