Resources for: Gender Based Violence/Abuse and Age 12-17

‘There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities: violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.’ United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon.  

Women, children and men can all be victims of violence.  There is a a national focus on taking action on all forms of violence against women and girls. By this we mean the violent and abusive behaviour carried out predominantly by men directed at women and girls precisely because of their gender. Behaviour that stems from systemic, deep-rooted women’s inequality, and which includes domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation (like prostitution), and so called ‘honour based’ violence like female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Reference

22. Breathing Space

Breathing Space

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 who is feeling low, anxious or depressed.

Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87

Web: https://breathingspace.scot/

Helpline Telephone National Free
9. Amis

AMIS (Abused Men in Scotland)

AMIS supports men who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. It runs a national helpline and its website has resources for men at risk and their workers.

Helpline number: 03300 949 395 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

Web: www.abusedmeninscotland.org/

Helpline Online Self referral Telephone National Free
11. ASSIST

ASSIST

ASSIST Scotland is a specialist support service for adults, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse where a partner or ex-partner is involved in criminal proceedings. The service works in close partnership with Police Scotland and local authorities across multiple council areas, helping to reduce risk and support recovery.Their aim is to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.

Phone: 0141 276 7710

Web: www.assistscotland.org.uk/

Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Local Free
27. CARA

CARA (challenging and responding to abuse)

A free, confidential service providing support to women, children and young people who have experienced or been exposed to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault. It provides up to 12 person-centred counselling appointments, which aim to create a safe and non-judgemental space where women, children and young people can make sense of their story and understand themselves better.

Phone: 0141 562 8800

Web: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/emergencies/domestic-abuse/children-and-young-people/local-services/

Services & somewhere to go Professional referral Self referral Local Free
30. CEDAR With Text

CEDAR (children experiencing domestic abuse recovery)

A therapeutic group‑work programme for children aged 4‑16 and their mothers, designed to provide a safe space to explore feelings and rebuild family connections through guided activities over 10–12 weeks. Self-referral and agency referrals both welcomed.

Phone: 0141 562 8870

Web: www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/emergencies/domestic-abuse/children-and-young-people/

Services & somewhere to go Professional referral Self referral Local Free
32. Childline No Text

Childline

Childline is a free, confidential service for children and young people under 19 in the UK. Whether you're feeling happy, sad, confused, or worried, you can talk to a trained counsellor anytime day or night by calling, chatting online, or sending an email. They can help with anything, from bullying and family problems to mental health and self-harm. You can also use tools like the Mood Journal, Calm Zone, and message boards to express yourself and find support.

 

Helpline number: 0800 11 11

Web: www.childline.org.uk

Helpline Online Telephone National Free
43. Crisis Counselling

Crisis Counselling (Erskine Counselling)

Crisis Counselling offers free counselling therapy to children and young people in West Dunbartonshire aged 10 and over experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. Referral through Education services.

Adults can self-refer with a cost for affordable mental health support. Support is available face-to-face or online to help with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Web: www.crisiscounselling.co.uk/

Services & somewhere to go School Referral Local Free
49. Police Scotland

Police Scotland

Police Scotland's website has an Advice and Information page. Included are pages on:

  • child abuse
  • counter terrorism
  • domestic abuse
  • drugs (harm prevention)
  • hate crime
  • internet safety
  • online student safety guide
  • rape and sexual crime
  • safe nights out
  • stalking
  • victims and witnesses

Web: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/

Website Online Self referral National Free
63. Galop

Galop

The UK’s specialist LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, providing free, confidential support, advocacy and helplines for LGBT+ people who have experienced domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence, “conversion therapy” or other forms of abuse.

Also contains a range of downloadable resources on a range of topics affecting LGBT+ people.

Helpline number: 0800 9995428

Web: www.galop.org.uk/

Website Online National Free
75. Jewish Womens Aid No Text

Jewish Women's Aid

Jewish Women's Aid is the only specialist organisation in the UK supporting Jewish women and and girls aged 14+ affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, offering confidential support, therapy, and advocacy.

Web: www.jwa.org.uk/

Helpline Self referral Telephone National Free
81. LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation

supports LGBTQ+ people with advice, guidance, and services on health, wellbeing, and social issues. They provide resources, community connections, and advocacy to promote equality and inclusion.

Phone: 0345 3 30 30 30

Web: www.lgbt.foundation/

Website Online National Free
105. Nat Domestic Abuse Helpline

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Provides free, confidential support for anyone in the UK experiencing domestic abuse. The website offers practical advice, safety planning, and access to a 24/7 helpline where individuals can talk to trained professionals, get support, and learn about their options.

Helpline number: 0808 2000 247

Web: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
117. Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis Scotland

 

provides national, free and confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, offering a helpline, local centre finder, survivor resources, legal and reporting guidance, and prevention work aimed at ending sexual violence in Scotland.

 

Helpline number: 08088 01 03 02

Web: www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/

Helpline Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Telephone National Free
122. Runaway Helpline

SafeCall

Safecall can help if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused.

Helpline number: call or text 116 000

Web: https://safecall.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
125. Samaritans2

Samaritans

 

A charity offering confidential emotional support to anyone in distress or struggling to cope. They provide a safe place to talk, available day and night, every day of the year, through phone, email, letter or in‑person at local branches across the UK and Ireland.

 

 

Helpline number: 116123

Web: www.samaritans.org

Helpline Online Self referral Telephone National Free
135. Scot Womens Rights Centre

Scottish Women's Rights Centre

 

Offers free, confidential legal advice and advocacy to women in Scotland affected by gender‑based violence. They provide helplines, legal appointments and specialist support to help survivors understand their rights and navigate the justice system.

 

 

Helpline number: 08088 010 789

Web: www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk/

Helpline Website Online Self referral Telephone National Free
141. SHOUT

SHOUT Crisis text service

Shout is a free, confidential 24/7 mental health text service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. By texting SHOUT to 85258, users are connected with a trained volunteer who offers calm, non‑judgemental support through difficult moments.
Shout also offers PeerChat for 16–25‑year‑olds, connecting young people with trained peer supporters their own age for additional youth‑focused mental health support.

Helpline number: 85258 free text support service

Web: www.giveusashout.org/

Helpline Website Online Telephone National Free
154. The Mix

The Mix

The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.

Phone: 0808 808 4994

Web: www.themix.org.uk/

Website App Online Telephone National Free
193. Scottish Womens Aid

Women's Aid - Scotland

Information and support on all aspects of domestic abuse.

Phone: 0800 027 1234

Web: www.womensaid.scot/

Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Telephone National Free
Hemat Gryff

Hematt Gryffe Women's Aid

Safe temporary accommodation and culturally sensitive support for women, children, and young people. 

Phone: 0141 353 0859

Web: www.hematgryffe.org.uk/

Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Local Free
NSPCC Logo

NSPCC

Dedicated to keeping children and young people safe, the NSPCC website offers clear, supportive advice for children, parents, carers and professionals on staying safe, spotting concerns and getting help. It also provides access to free, confidential support services like Childline and the NSPCC Helpline, so no one has to face worries alone. You can also send an email or complete a 'report abuse online' form at any time for free via the website. You don’t have to say who you are.

Helpline number: 0808 800 5000 10am-4pm Monday - Friday

Web: https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Helpline Website Online National Free
WDVAWGP Colour On White Logo (1)

West Dunbartonshire Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership

West Dunbartonshire’s Violence against Women Partnership is a multiagency mechanism that works collaboratively to provide support to all victims of Gender-Based Violence and reduce its prevalence in the area. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing Domestic Abuse or other forms of GBV, we have resources and support services in the area. You can find more information on local specialist services and national resources on our website. 

Web: http://www.wdhscp.org.uk/violence-against-women-and-girls/?

Website Services & somewhere to go Online Self referral Local Free
Shameless Youths Logo Final

Shameless Youths

 

A youth‑led West Dunbartonshire campaign promoting open, judgement‑free conversations about online life, consent and healthy digital relationships. It provides guidance, videos and resources for young people, parents and professionals to support safer, more positive online experiences.

 

 

Web: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/community/shameless-youths

Website Online Local Free
Followit App

FollowIt App

A free, secure app for people experiencing stalking in Scotland. It helps you record incidents safely, keep the information off your phone, and request a report if you choose to share it with the police or for legal support.

Web: https://followitapp.org.uk/?

App Online National Free

Hollie Guard app

A free personal safety app from the Hollie Gazzard Trust. It lets you discreetly send an alert by shaking your phone or tapping a button that shares your location and live audio/video with your emergency contacts. Features include journey tracking, meeting timers, fall detection, and “stealth” or “deterrent” modes to help you stay safe in risky situations.

Web: https://hollieguard.com/

App Online National Costs money

TapSOS app

A free, non-verbal emergency app for the UK. It lets people who can’t or shouldn’t speak, such as those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in unsafe situations quickly contact the four emergency services (police, ambulance, fire, coastguard). You tap icons to send your location and medical information directly to 999 call handlers via SMS.

Web: https://tapsos.com/

App Online National Free

Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (SDAFMH)

 

Provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day for anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage. Trained specialists offer emotional support, practical advice, safety planning and guidance on legal, housing, financial and safeguarding options. The service is available in multiple languages through confidential interpreting and is open to people experiencing abuse, as well as friends, families and professionals seeking advice.

 

Helpline number: 0800 027 1234 Text / WhatsApp: 07401288595

Web: https://www.sdafmh.org.uk/en/

Helpline Website Online Telephone National Free
Ywm Logo 1

Young Woman's Movement

 

Scotland’s national organisation empowering young women and girls to lead change and challenge inequality. Their Young Women Know programme provides youth‑led campaigns and a range of resources including toolkits on consent, healthy relationships, safe spaces, communication, and support services, designed to help young people address unhealthy relationships and peer sexual abuse.

 

Web: https://youngwomenscot.org/

Website Download Online National Free