Any one of us could find ourselves the victim of harm.
Harm can come in many forms and happen in many places. In general terms, behaviours that constitute harm to a person can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or a combination of these. The harm can be accidental or intentional, as a result of self-neglect, neglect by a carer or caused by self-harm and/or attempted suicide.
Whilst the Adult Support and Protection Act refers to adults in Scotland who are 16 years or over, and who meet the specified criteria, other types of support that everyone can access is also available. Here are some that may be useful.
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland's national dementia charity. Their aim is to make sure nobody faces dementia alone. They provide support and information to people with dementia, their carers and families, campaign for the rights of people with dementia, and fund vital dementia research.
24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline: 0808 808 3000
Age Scotland
Age Scotland is the national charity for older people, working to improve the lives of everyone over the age of 50.
Their mission is to inspire, involve, and empower older people in Scotland, and influence others, so that everyone can make the most of later life.
Helpline: 0800 12 44 222 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland is Scotland's leading organisation working to transform attitudes, improve responses and ultimately to end rape and sexual violence in all its forms.
All of us deserve to live free from the fear and threat of sexual violence. Rape Crisis Scotland work to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of rape, sexual assault and abuse, advocate for better health, justice and community responses, and work to make sure that no matter what happened or when, survivors can access specialist support.
Police Scotland
If someone you know is at risk please contact Police Scotland or our partners for help.
If the abuse is ongoing please always phone 101, or 999 in an emergency.
If you are worried that someone is a victim of domestic abuse you can also;
- Speak to the police in person at your local police station
- Use our online reporting form if you are unable to go to your local police station. You can do this if you do not wish to be known.
You can call Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 24/7 on 0800 027 1234
Scottish Women's Aid
Scottish Women's Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. They play a vital role coordinating, influencing and campaigning for effective responses to domestic abuse.
Support and information are available 24 hours, 7 days per week via the Helpline - 0800 027 1234; via online chat (link on website), or via the website - Contact | Scottish Women's Aid
Men's Advice Line UK
Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for male victims of domestic abuse. We offer advice and emotional support to men who experience abuse, and signpost to other vital services that help men keep themselves (and their children) safe.
Telephone support - 0808 8010327
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland provides victims and witnesses with free confidential, emotional and practical support, and information about the criminal justice system.
Free support helpline - Mon-Fri 8am-8pm - 0800 160 1985
Citizens Advice Scotland
Lots of general information and advice is available from Citizens Advice Scotland, either via their Protection of Adults at Risk of Harm pages , by calling their helpline 0800 028 1456 or from their local bureau network - find your local bureau by entering your postcode.