FearFree: support for people experiencing domestic abuse in Scotland who identify as a man or from the LGBT+ community.
FearFree will support:
- Any man (including trans men)
- Anyone from the LGBT+ community (including, but not limited to, lesbian/bisexual women, gay/bisexual men, trans men/women, and gender non-binary people)
FearFree workers can offer a range of support including safety planning, emotional support, advocacy, mentoring, and practical support with housing, employment/education, and assistance to access appropriate benefits.
What can you expect from FearFree?
- A non-judgmental and friendly response
- A dedicated one-to-one case worker
- Support that is based on your needs and goals
- An emphasis on keeping you (and your children) safe
- We won’t tell you that you must leave your partner
If you would like to make a referral to FearFree, either for yourself or on behalf of another person, please complete the online referral form.
You can also talk to someone about the service and discuss making a referral on 0131 624 7270 – please note that this is not a support line and calls may go to answer machine. If you are leaving a message please tell us when it’s safe to call you back, otherwise we won’t be able to return your call.
You can also get in touch by email fearfreeinfo@sacro.org.uk
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour that is controlling and/or coercive. It can be physical, psychological, sexual or financial. It can include threats and insults. The actual actions do not define domestic abuse, as these actions are often very specific to the individual. Domestic abuse is defined by the intended impact – control.
You may feel that you have no autonomy or freedom, or that everything you do is dictated by your partner. You may feel like you are walking on eggshells, afraid of what your partner might do next or how they might respond to you. You may feel isolated from your friends and family. You may have experienced abuse or insults directed at you because of your identity and who you are.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Although men’s violence against women is more prevalent, domestic abuse exists in every kind of relationship, and every person deserves support to help them overcome these experiences. This is why FearFree was created. FearFree is a gender-informed service, recognising that the needs of men, and the needs of LGBT people can be different from those of cis gender women in heterosexual relationships, and they based on different life experiences.
