This is a list of Help Groups and Organisations if you have details of any others that you would like me to add to the list,please let me have the details by e-mail or Tel 01408621870
Rape and Abuse Line (Men)
Answered by Men.        Freephone (01349)862686
Monday and Wednesday 7 pm until 10pm.
 
Rape and Abuse Line (Woman)
Answered by Women      Freephone (01349)865316
7pm until 10pm Every evening.
 
Alcoholics Anonymous.
0345) 697 555 Local Call
 
The Samaritans a UK charity offering support to the suicidal or despairing.
www.samaritans.org.uk
 
Terrence Higgins Trust
Aids and Hiv information and support.
www.tht.org.uk
 
National Health Service Helpline
0800) 224 466
 
Lothian Brook Advisory Centre
Contraception and advice on any matter to do with sex for young people.
0131) 229 3596
 
Family Planning Association
Contraception and matters to do with sex.
0141) 211 8138
 
National Aids Helpline
Hiv and Aids Helpline.
(0800) 567 123
 
Cruse Bereavement Care
Counselling and Information for bereaved people.
(01408) 634343 East Sutherland Branch
 
Child Abuse
Social Work Services (01463) 703456
Outwith Office Hours (0345) 697284
Police Child Protection Matters (01463) 715555
 
New Futures Sutherland
Job Opportunities.
(01863) 766183
Office Hours Monday to Friday 9.30AM To 5.30PM
 
Womans Aid
Domestic Violence Help.
Dingwall Refuge (01349) 863568
Inverness Refuge (01463)220719
 
Dyslexia
Highland Dyslexia Association.
(01463) 717315
 
Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme
Caring for a relative or friend.
Crossroads,(East Sutherland Care Attendant Scheme
95 Main Street,Golspie,Sutherland,KW10 6TG
(01408) 633090
 
 
 

Womans Aid Supporting Women in Sutherland
 
Women's Aid has existed in Scotland for 25 years and can attempt to offer women fleeing Domestic Abuse a safe place to stay. As an agency we also offer support and advice to any woman, child or young person who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse. Because of our experience of working in this field, we know that Domestic abuse can take many forms ranging from verbal abuse, through threats and intimidation, manipulative behaviour, physical and sexual assault, to rape and even murder.

 1 woman dies as a result of domestic abuse every 3 days in this country. Such deaths account for approximately 48% of female homicide victims. In itself Domestic Abuse accounts for 25% of all reported crime. It is a myth that it happens to women from certain backgrounds. Men from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds and all ages abuse their female partners. There is no typical abuser, and no typical abused woman. Approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced domestic abuse.

Those women who are experiencing it often keep it to themselves - shamed and embarrassed. The effects on a woman's health both physical and emotional are enormous. From bruising to broken bones, anxiety, depression and suicide attempts.  They are not abused because they are weak or passive, it is a choice some men make to exercise control over their partners and children. 90% of children are in the same or adjacent room and 70% of men who physically abuse their partners also abuse their children. The women herself may suffer from low self-esteem, exhaustion, stress or an inability to take action. BUT this is a consequence of the abuse NOT the cause. They may be unsure of where to get help and fearful of making the situation worse. Women do not stay because they enjoy the abuse - they stay for complex reasons including finance, housing, threats to their children and themselves. There are also practical reasons such as disruption of their children's education, leaving jobs and family. They may still be in an abusive relationship and feel unable to leave but THEY WANT THE ABUSE TO STOP.

In Sutherland last year there were 43 reported incidents to the police. Research shows that only 2-3% of incidents are actually reported so this is only the tip of the iceberg.

I work out of Ross-shire Women's Aid but am based up here. I am the Outreach Worker for both Caithness and Sutherland and therefore cover the Brora and the rest of the East Coast of Sutherland. I can offer confidential support, information and advice to women who for what ever reasons are not living in refuge. This may be because they have not yet taken the decision to leave the relationship they are in, or are in the process of leaving, or are no longer in the relationship and now need someone to talk to about what has happened, etc. I also offer information and training for statutory and voluntary organizations in the area.

Women's Aid

Supporting women in Sutherland

Are you experiencing now or have you ever experienced Domestic Abuse?

Would you like:

Someone to listen

Confidential Advice

Or even

Somewhere to stay?

Women's Aid can offer you confidential information, support and advice. We can also try and offer you and your children (if you have any) a safe place to stay.

If we do not have the space, or if you prefer, we can try to arrange accommodation for you in another refuge.

There is a Women's Aid Worker in your area

She is there to give support if you need someone to talk to.

She can offer you support with anything you are dealing with at home

Information and help when dealing with e.g. Doctors, Police, Solicitors, DSS, Housing, Schools

She will support you in any decision you may make.

Our service is available to all women, children and young people

IT IS TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL

01349 863568

07715 532983

Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm

Some Ideas for Emergencies

 

Think about how you might escape if you need to. Get help from your friends and neighbours if you can.
 

Try to put aside some money for taxis, bus fares, phone calls.

Try to have your Child Benefit book, your rent book and marriage, birth certificates and medication handy to take with you. Don't worry if you cant, these can all be replaced if need be.

In case you have to leave quickly, try to keep some clothes for you and the children at a friend's house, and perhaps a small toy for the children.

Try and have a key to your home.

Keep a note of phone numbers for Women's Aid, the Police and Social Work. Make sure you keep these in a safe place.

 

Local Contact Numbers for Helmsdale

POLICE: 01862 810222 (Dornoch). They will route your call to a police officer in your area. In an emergency call 999 and ask for Police or Ambulance.

WOMEN'S AID: 01349 863568 (Monday to Friday 10-5 pm). Or contact your local Outreach Worker directly on 07715 532983 (Monday to Friday 10-5pm).

SOCIAL WORK: 01408 634040 (Golspie). In an emergency, Social Work can be contacted out of hours on 08457 7697284

HOUSING: 01862 812010 (Dornoch). In an emergency, a Housing Officer can be contacted out of hours on 08457 700 2005

EAST SUTHERLAND VILLAGE ADVISORY GROUP: 01408 633000 (same as Citizen's Advice Bureau).

National Contact Numbers

DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE: 0800 0271234

SAMARITANS: Linkline - 08457 909090

I am in the Estates Office, Duke Street, Golspie most Tuesdays from 11am -4pm. I am hoping to set up regular "surgeries" on the West Coast as well.

 
 
 

War Memorial