Sexual violence and abuse
Rape Crisis Scotland have resources and advice available for you if you have recently been raped or sexually assaulted, as well as guides to help you manage your emotional wellbeing.
Rape and sexual assault are serious crimes which happen when you are made to take part in sexual acts you do not consent to. Sexual assault is a broad term which applies to any form of sexual violence, ranging from unwanted touching or kissing to being forced to perform sexual acts.
Rape and sexual assault can happen to anyone at any age. It can happen once or many times throughout your life. It might be carried out by the same person – a partner, parent, sibling or other family member, or a colleague – or by different people at different times. It could be by someone you trust, someone in a position of authority, a stranger or multiple people.
What are my legal options?
When it comes to sexual violence and abuse, we understand that each situation is very different. If you have specific concerns about your situation and the legal options available, please get in touch with us.
For any criminal cases, Rape Crisis Scotland have legal resources and advocacy services for advice and support.
Looking for more information on sexual violence and abuse?
Sexual Abuse and Housing Rights
Civil Damages Legal Guide
Reporting Sexual Crimes - Your Rights
Getting Legal Representation
Information and support for anyone experiencing sexual violence and harassment in the workplace
Sensitive and Personal Records: Information for victims of sexual crimes
Information and help after rape and sexual assault
Useful videos
- Summary - Survivors' Guide to the Scottish Criminal Justice System
- Survivors' Guide to the Scottish Criminal Justice System - Full version
Other support and organisations that can help
The RCS Helpline is available daily from 5pm – midnight offering free and confidential support and information to survivors of sexual violence, their friends, relatives and workers.
- Phone number: 08088 01 03 02
- Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 offering support and advice to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage. For information on your local Women’s Aid group or on refuge accommodation please visit Scottish Women’s Aid.
- Phone number: 0800 027 1234
- Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
- Webchat is available 24/7 on their website.
SAY Women is a voluntary organisation which offers safe, supported accommodation and related services for young women, aged 16-25 years, who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Phone number: 0141 552 5803
Encompass is a Scottish network of agencies working with people at risk of becoming involved in, who are currently involved in, or who have exited selling or exchanging sexual activity/commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). The safety and well-being of those involved in commercial sexual exploitation / selling or exchanging sex is of prime concern to all Encompass agencies. The agencies are located in different areas across Scotland and details can be found on the website.
Email: encompass@womenssupportproject.org.uk
In immediate danger or looking to report?
If you feel you are in immediate danger, call the Police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger but would like to report, call the Police on 101. Alternatively, you can fill out Police Scotland’s online form. Police Scotland respond and investigate reports of criminal activity, this includes various forms of gender-based violence.
