Domestic abuse

 

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is physical, emotional or sexual abuse of one person by another.  It can happen with a partner or ex-partner.

Scottish Government figures show that at least one in five women will experience domestic abuse at some stage in their lives and that it is estimated that around 100,000 children are living with domestic abuse within Scotland.  Any one of us is highly likely to come in to contact with someone experiencing domestic abuse.

Isolation is a key feature and many women, children and young people believe they are the only ones experiencing domestic abuse – this is not the case.

Research has shown that in 90% of incidents of domestic abuse, children are in the same room or the room next door.  Children may be injured when their mothers are being abused.  Research has shown that a third of children try to intervene during attacks on their mothers.  Perpetrators of domestic abuse have been shown to physically abuse children too. 

Domestic abuse is not your fault.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse remember you are not alone.  There are people who can help you.

• National 24 hour Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 027 1234
• Rape Crisis Scotland National Helpline: 08088 010 302
• Childline: 0800 11 11 11

You can access support and information locally from:

• Perthshire Women’s Aid: 01738 639043
• Womens Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre: 01738 630965
• Police Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer: 01738 892910
• Barnardos Domestic Abuse Initiative: 01738 892516
• Victim Support: 01738 567171
• Perth & Kinross Domestic Abuse Forum