When you contact FearFree one of the first things your caseworker will do is a risk assessment. This process helps you and your caseworker understand the different risks that you are experiencing and how to build an effective safety plan to address these risks.
There are some general things that you may want to consider if you don’t feel ready to contact FearFree:
If you, or anyone else, is in immediate danger you should call Police Scotland on 999.
If you would like to speak to Police Scotland about any issues that are not an emergency you can call 101.
If you feel nervous of reluctant to talk to Police Scotland this is something you can discuss with your caseworker, who will be able to help you do this.
Silent Solutions
If you need to call the emergency services on 999 but you cannot speak to an operator because it’s too dangerous, there is a ‘silent solutions’ protocol. You can dial ‘55’ and this lets the operator know that it is not an accidental phonecall and that you need assistance.
Right to Ask – Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse (Scotland)
This scheme (also sometimes referred to as Clare’s Law) empowers individuals with the right to ask about the background of their partner, potential partner or someone who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive. Any individual can make an application, and FearFree can assist you with this process.
For more information, visit the Police Scotland website.
Preparing to leave the relationship
If you have decided that you want to leave an abusive relationship there are things you can do to increase your safety. Some people may not be aware that at the point of separation your risk of harm is significantly increased. Some safety actions may be more appropriate, or safe, than others. Your FearFree caseworker can help you create your own safety plan for leaving. Some safety actions might include:
- Planning the best time/day to leave e.g. when your partner will be at work
- Don’t tell your children your plan in advance, they may accidently tell your partner
- Have your identification documents somewhere accessible
- Ensure you have credit on your mobile phone
- Have a note of support organisations and their telephone numbers
- Collect any documents relating to your mortgage/tenancy or any visas or work permit documentation, including national insurance number
- Hide a small amount of cash that you can take the day you leave
- Pack any medication for you/children
After you have left you should be aware of heightened risk, and you may wish to consider some of the following safety actions:
- Online banking – change your details and be cautious of your partner monitoring your movements through your bank account
- Social media and mobile phones – ensure that your locations services are switched off so your partner cannot trace you
- Vary your routine, especially when going to places that your partner knows you visit frequently e.g. work or a friend’s house
- Change passwords on other accounts e.g. email, online shopping etc
- Change your telephone number and screen calls
- Target hardening – making your new home safer with alarms, additional locks etc. There are public services that may be able to help with this e.g. Police, Fire Service
- Speak to your employer and/or work colleagues about what has happened, especially if your (ex) partner is likely to contact you at work
If you decide to stay with your partner, or if you have left and returned, there are some things you can consider to help improve your safety:
- Be aware of any signs or triggers of violent episodes, and have a plan as to how you’ll remove yourself from the situation
- Avoid areas of the house where there is increased access to weapons e.g. kitchen, garage
- If you can trust your neighbours let them know what has been happening so that they can call the police if there’s an incident
- Have your documents stored somewhere safe in case you do need to leave
- Speak with Police Scotland to have a ‘marker’ placed on your address so that they can provided a quicker response – FearFree can help you with this
- Keep your phone charged and topped up with credit
- Be aware of ‘spyware’ on your home computers/mobile devices which tracks your activity, even if you are browsing in ‘Incognito’ or ‘InPrivate Browsing’ modes. It’s safer to use a computer in a library of other public space
- Have a code word with your FearFree caseworker or other support agency so they know if you can talk on the phone
- Turn your GPS off on your mobile devices if you are going to a support appointment
Other organisations that can help
| Contact information | Opening hours | |
|
Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline Anyone in Scotland experiencing domestic abuse |
0800 027 1234 |
Open 24 hours |
|
Men’s Advice Line Men experiencing domestic abuse |
0808 801 0327 |
9am – 5pm (Mon – Fri) |
|
Galop National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline |
0800 999 5428 |
10am – 5pm Monday *1pm – 5pm Tuesday is trans specific service* |
|
LGBT Youth Scotland LGBT youth service for young people aged 16 – 25 |
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LGBT Helpline Scotland Providing support in relation to any LGBT issues |
0300 123 25 23 |
Tues & Weds 12 – 9pm |
|
Scottish Trans Alliance Information and advice for Trans people in Scotland |
https://www.scottishtrans.org/ | |
|
Rape Crisis Scotland Anyone who has experienced sexual violence |
08088 01 03 02 |
6pm – midnight, 7 days a week |
|
Karma Nirvana Victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage |
08005 999 247 |
9am – 5pm (Mon – Fri) |
|
Breathing Space Listening support for anyone struggling to cope |
0800 83 85 87 |
6pm – 2am (Mon – Thurs) 24 hours at weekends (6pm Fri – 6am Mon) |
|
Samaritans Safe space to talk about whatever’s bothering you |
116 123 |
24 hours a day |
|
Citizen’s Advice Direct |
0808 800 9060 |
9am – 6pm (Mon – Fri) |
|
Shelter Scotland Housing and homelessness advice |
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Women’s Aid Groups in Scotland Find your nearest Women’s Aid service |
In an emergency, always call 999