Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is abuse that is perpetrated against a person’s will. It is a result of power inequalities based on gender roles in the private and public spheres and includes domestic abuse
For some students, home is not a safe and secure place. If you fear your partner or fear being forced into a marriage or if you are experiencing harassment because of your gender identity, remember the abuse you are experiencing is not your fault. You have the right to feel safe wherever you are and whatever you are doing and if you feel unsafe help and support is available.
Emergency or Urgent Help
Police Scotland are committed to tackling GBV.
If you are at immediate risk of harm, do not hesitate to dial 999.
If you are at risk of harm and unable or too frightened to speak remember silent solutions:
- Call 999
- Listen to the operator
- Cough or tap the handset
- If prompted press 55 – this lets the operator know it is a genuine call and you will be put through to the police.
Further Information and Sources of Support
This might not be the right/safe time for you to leave, however you can still make a safety plan and services can support and be there for you now. The following contacts and services may also provide you with useful information and support
Scotland-based GBV Support and Information
Health Scotland
Community Safety Glasgow
UK-wide GBV Support
The Survivors’ Trust (anywhere in UK)
08088 010 818
Monday to Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 2pm
Support for Mental Health
GSA Counselling
Email counselling@gsa.ac.uk to request an appointment with a professional Counsellor
Big White Wall
This online emotional support platform is free to GSA students. Sign in using your GSA email address and you can then change your user name to be anonymous.
Stay Alive app
Samaritans
Call free, at any time, from any phone
116 123
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hopeline
If you are 35 or under, you can also call Hopeline
0800 0684141
Weekdays 9am - 10pm
Weekends and bank holidays 2pm - 10pm
Breathing Space Scotland
0800 838587
Weekdays 6pm - 2am
24 hours at weekends
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape Crisis Scotland
Call: 08088 010302
Text: 07537 410027
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Daily 6pm - midnight
Find your local rape crisis centre - some of them also have a helpline open outside the National Rape Crisis Helpline hours.
Trauma Counselling Line Scotland
For survivors of childhood abuse
08088 0204 06
Monday to Wednesday 2pm - 6pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Click
Online chat support specifically for women selling sex online
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11am - 1pm.
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Call: 0800 027 1234
Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
Web chat: sdafmh.org.uk
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Women’s Aid
Find your local women’s aid group
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 8pm
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000247
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
AMINA
Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
0808 801 0301
Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm.
Homophobic and Transphobic Abuse
LGBT Helpline Scotland
Call: 0300 123 2523
Email confidentially: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm - 9pm
LGBT Youth Scotland’s transgender support service
Text: 07786 202370
Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
National LGBT+ Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline
Call: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 8pm
Stalking and Cyber-stalking
National Stalking Helpline
0808 8020300
Daily 9:30am - 4pm except Wednesday, 1pm - 4pm
FollowIt App
Can be downloaded to record incidents of stalking
Revenge Porn helpline
Email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk
The Cyber Helpline
Access a range of guides to help you when your online security has been compromised.
Report Harmful Content
This organisation can support you in reporting harmful online content across different social media platforms.
Voice of Internet Crime
This site has instructions on removing your images from Google and other websites.
Human Trafficking
Modern Slavery Helpline
08000 121700
Legal and Financial Advice
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre
08088 010789
Open for legal information: Monday 2 - 5pm, Tuesday 6 - 8pm, Wednesday 11am - 2pm, Friday 10am - 1pm
Open for advocacy support: Tuesday 11am - 2pm
Open for sexual harassment support: Thursday 5 - 8pm
Scottish Refugee Council (for immigration advice)
0141 2237979
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Information on the changes to the asylum process and resettlement
Shelter Scotland (for housing advice)
08088 004444
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Respect Phoneline
For perpetrators seeking help
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
