Where to find support if you've been raped or sexually assaulted

Support is available from NHS Scotland, Police Scotland and various charities and support organisations.

Police Scotland

To contact Police Scotland in an emergency, phone 999. For non-emergencies, phone 101.

Rape Crisis Scotland

Rape Crisis Scotland support people of all genders living in Scotland aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence.

For confidential short-term, crisis and initial support by phone 08088 010 302 or text 07537 410 027, available 5pm to midnight, 7 days a week. The phone support is free and texts will be charged at your normal network rate.

Victim Support Scotland

Victim Support Scotland provides information, practical help, emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice system.

You can phone 0800 160 1985 for their support helpline, which is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. They also have a webchat service.

Help with domestic abuse and forced marriage

Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline supports anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals who support them.

Contact the helpline by phoning 0800 027 1234, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also have an online chat service.

Help for men

SurvivorsUK National Helpline

SurvivorsUK supports men and non-binary people who have been affected by rape or sexual abuse.

You can contact the national online helpline by texting 020 3322 1860 or using the webchat service 12pm to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Abused Men in Scotland

Abused men in Scotland (AMIS) is a charity for men who experience domestic abuse.

Contact the national helpline by phoning 03300 949 395, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

SX Scotland

SX Scotland provide sex, health, and wellbeing advice for gay and bisexual men in Scotland

Help for Muslim and BME women

AMINA - Muslim Resource Centre

AMINA offer support to Muslim and BME women across Scotland. All calls are strictly confidential, non-judgmental and deal with people in a faith- and culturally-sensitive manner.

Contact the helpline by phoning 0808 801 0301, 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Help for LGBTQIA+ people

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

LGBT Health and Wellbeing provide information and support to the entire diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community across Scotland, including queer, intersex, asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

Contact their helpline by phoning 0300 123 2523, 12pm to 9pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 1pm to 6pm Thursday to Sunday.

SX Scotland

SX Scotland provide sex, health and wellbeing advice for gay and bisexual men in Scotland

Help for people involved in sex work

Encompass

Encompass are Scotland's network to support those involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, commercial sexual exploitation.

National Ugly Mugs

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is a UK-wide charity working with sex workers to provide safety tools and support services to people in adult industries.

Help with housing

Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland give support and advice to people struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

Contact their helpline by phoning 0808 800 4444, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Mental health support

Find out about the mental health support services available from NHS 24.

Alcohol and addiction support

Read about where to get help if you're worried about drinking or drug taking.

Last updated:
23 November 2022