In Scotland, Domestic Abuse affects 1 in 5 women at some point in their lives. 

We say this is 1 in 5 too many; no one should suffer domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse may be physical abuse (hitting or slapping), sexual abuse (rape or other acts  perpertrated against a woman's will, which degrade and humiliate her), mental and emotional abuse (isolation, name calling) or financial abuse (withholding money).

Domestic abuse can happen to any woman regardless of age, nationality or social status.  Women do not "ask for it", it isn't caused by stress, illness, alcohol or lack of money.  Domestic abuse is about power and control - with one partner feeling that they have the right to control the other.

Domestic abuse also affects children with 90% being in the same or next room during an attack.  (Hughes, 1998)

In Dumfries and Galloway, as with the rest of Scotland, domestic abuse is taken very seriously.

Over 1000 front line staff have attended training on domestic abuse.(Police, healthcare staff, teachers, social work staff, housing staff and those working with families and children).

If you are currently, or have previously, experienced domestic abuse, you can be certain that you will receive an understanding and sympathetic response should you ask for help.

The links section gives more websites that you can visit for help and advice and the local help page gives contact details and information on services in Dumfries and Galloway for people experiencing domestic abuse.