Safety Advice

Recognising Risk and Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse

• Coercive control (restricting your movement, communication, or access to money)

• Threats of harm, forced marriage, or harassment

• Family or community pressure to “protect honour”

Honour‑based abuse often involves multiple perpetrators (family or community members), which can increase risk. Take threats seriously, especially if there is talk of punishment, shame, or surveillance.

Prioritising Immediate Safety

If you are in immediate danger:

• Call emergency services (999 in the UK). If you cannot speak safely, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted.

• Try to move to a safer space (near exits, away from kitchens or weapons)

• Keep a phone accessible if possible

Safety Planning

• Trusted contacts: Identify someone safe outside your immediate community

• Emergency code word: Agree on a phrase to signal distress

• Important documents: Keep copies of ID, passport, and key documents

• Escape plan: Know where you can go safely and quickly

• Essentials bag: Medication, cash, clothes, charger

• Make small, discreet preparations if you are being monitored.

Confidentiality and Cultural Sensitivity

You may face:

• Community stigma or pressure

• Language barriers

• Immigration concerns

Remember:

• Support services are confidential and culturally aware

• You do not need family permission to seek help

• Specialist services understand honour‑based abuse

• Avoid seeking help through community members connected to your family if safety is at risk.

Digital Safety

• Use a safe device when seeking help

• Use private browsing / clear history

• Turn off location sharing

• Be cautious of spyware or shared accounts

Legal Rights and Protections

• Honour‑based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM are criminal offences

• You can access protection orders and legal support

• Your immigration status does not remove your right to protection

Emotional Wellbeing

You may feel guilt, fear, or shame—but:

• Abuse is never your fault

• Culture does not justify harm

• Seeking help is strength

When Leaving Is Not Immediately Possible

• Focus on risk reduction

• Build safe external connections

• Keep emergency numbers accessible

• Watch for escalation in threats

Local and National Support (Edinburgh & Lothians)

If you are in danger, always call 999.

Local Specialist Services

• Shakti Women’s Aid (Edinburgh & Lothians)
  Specialist support for Black and minority ethnic women experiencing domestic or honour‑based abuse.
  📞 0131 475 2399 [Shakti Womens Aid]
  
  

• Edinburgh Women’s Aid
  Confidential support, refuge, and advocacy for women and children.
  📞 0131 315 8110 [edinwomensaid.co.uk]
  
  

• Aditi
  One‑to‑one support for Black and minority ethnic women affected by domestic or honour‑based abuse.
  📞 0131 603 4865 [aditi.scot]
  
  

• Bright Choices (Multicultural Family Base)
  Support for honour‑based violence, forced marriage, and FGM.
  📞 0131 622 7500 [edinburgh.gov.uk]
  
  

• Beira’s Place (Lothians)
  Support for women affected by sexual violence and abuse.
  📞 0131 526 3944 [edinburgh.gov.uk]
  
  

Scotland‑Wide and National Helplines

• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (24/7)
  📞 0800 027 1234 [sdafmh.org.uk]
  
  

• Karma Nirvana (Honour‑Based Abuse Helpline)
  📞 0800 5999 247 [karmanirvana.org.uk]
  
  

• Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (legal advice)
  📞 08088 010 789 [scottishwo...tre.org.uk]
  
  

• Police Scotland (non‑emergency)
  📞 101