The Scottish Government

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Main support organisations

This section gives details of main support organisations. You can speak to them in private. They can all tell you about other organisations in your local area which can help.

Rape Crisis Scotland

Rape Crisis Scotland ( RCS) is the national office for the rape crisis movement in Scotland. Whether you are a woman or man who has experienced sexual violence, or a friend, family member looking for information and support, RCS can put you in contact with your nearest local service.

First Floor, Tara House

Tel: 0141 331 4180
Minicom: 0141 332 2168
Email: info@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline: 08088 01 03 02
(daily 6pm-12 midnight)

Offers initial and crisis support and information, and signposting to local services for ongoing support.

Rape and Abuse Line

Helpline for those who have survived rape or abuse however long ago the experiences were, and families or partners. Can offer face-to-face support or counselling in some parts of Grampian, the Highlands and Islands.

Helpline: 0808 800 0123 answered by women on most evenings from 7pm-10pm

0808 800 0122 answered by men on selected evenings from 7pm-10pm

24 hour answering machine gives times when lines will be open

RAL

Tel: 01349 865 316
www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Archway)

There is one Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Scotland (Archway). This is based in Glasgow and is for anyone (over 13) who has been raped or sexually assaulted in Greater Glasgow within the previous seven days. It offers various services in the one place including forensic examinations; testing for infections; support and counselling. It can also store forensic samples to give you time to decide whether or not to involve the police. In future, there may be similar centres in other areas of Scotland.

You can contact Archway through any police station in Glasgow or by phoning direct on 0141 211 8175. See also online at www.archwayglasgow.com

Scottish Women's Aid

Women's Aid provides advice, support and safe accommodation for women (and their children) who been abused mentally, physically and/or sexually by their partner/ex-partner. A network of local Women's Aid groups is affiliated to Scottish Women's Aid. For details of local groups see the website or phone the number below.

Tel: 0131 226 6606
Email: info@scottishwomensaid.org.uk
www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk

Victim Support Scotland

Victim Support provides practical and emotional support for victims of crime. They are experienced in working with women and men who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They can provide:

• Time to talk
• Information about reporting and the criminal justice process
• Support if your case goes to court
• Help with compensation claims
• Information about other agencies which can help

Victim Support Scotland runs the Witness Service (see below)

You do not have to have reported the rape/sexual assault to get help.

There are local offices across Scotland.

You can contact the Victim Support Scotland helpline on 0845 603 9213 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm) or see online at www.victimsupportsco.org.uk

Tel: 0131 668 4486
Email: info@victimsupportsco.org.uk
www.victimsupportsco.org.uk

The Witness Service

The Witness Service is provided by Victim Support Scotland to all witnesses. The Witness Service is free, confidential and independent and is based in every High Court and Sheriff Court.

The Witness Service can:

• Talk to you about how you are feeling (but not about the detail of the case)
• Arrange for you to visit the court before the trial so you can see what it looks like
• Sit in court with you, if approved by the court
• Explain how the court works and who does what
• Help with practicalities like filling out expenses forms or finding your way round the court building
• Tell you about other organisations which can help

Victim Information and Advice ( VIA) will refer you to the Witness Service for a court familiarisation visit unless you ask them not to.

If you want to speak to someone before you come to court phone the Victim Support helpline on 0845 603 9213 or get details of your local service at www.victimsupportsco.org.uk

Genito Urinary Medicine ( GUM) Clinics

GUM clinics are part of the NHS. They offer free and confidential services for anyone, of any age, who has been raped or sexually assaulted. This includes support, testing and advice. Staff are sensitive and experienced in working with men and women. You can ask to be seen by a male or female doctor. You do not have to give your name or details. You do not have to go to your nearest clinic if you prefer to be seen outwith your own area.

At the clinic, staff will discuss your options with you fully and help you decide what course of action to take. They can also tell you about other services which support people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. GUM clinics do not take forensic samples, but if you wish to have a forensic examination and are thinking about reporting the assault to the police, they will give you details.

Clinics will not pass details to your GP without your permission. Records are kept separate from your general medical record.

Most GUM clinics have both drop-in and appointment services. Some GUM clinics also have special clinics for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Phone first for details.

There are clinics across Scotland. You can get details of your nearest clinic from www.nhs24.com/info/sexhealthclinic or phone the Sexual Health Helpline on 0800 567 123

Citizen's Advice Scotland

Citizen's Advice Bureaux ( CAB) provide free, independent, impartial advice. There are local bureaux across Scotland. They can tell you about local services. For details of bureaux locations see www.cas.org.uk or check your phone directory or phone Citizen's Advice Scotland on 0131 550 1000. You can get basic information online at www.adviceguide.org.uk

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