Resources

Your Right to Be Safe

Everyone has the right to live free from fear, harm, and abuse. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. If abuse is happening to you, it is important to know that it is not your fault, and you are not alone.

Women’s Aid Orkney offers free, confidential, and non-judgemental support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse. You deserve to be safe, heard, and supported.

If you would like help or advice for yourself or your children, you can contact us by phone or email.

Get in Touch

If you would like support for yourself, your children, or someone you care about, please contact Women’s Aid Orkney by phone or email. All contact is confidential, and you can reach out whether you are ready to take action or just want to talk.

You deserve safety. You deserve support. You deserve to be heard.

Supporting a Friend or Family Member

Are you worried about someone you care about?

Supporting someone who may be experiencing domestic abuse can feel overwhelming. The most important things you can do are:

  • Listen without judgement

  • Believe them

  • Avoid blaming or pressuring them

  • Let them know you are there for them

You don’t need to have all the answers. Your support and belief can make a huge difference.

Women’s Aid Orkney can also offer guidance and advice to friends and family members on how to approach conversations safely and how to support someone who may be at risk.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain power and control over another within an intimate or family relationship. It can happen between current or former partners and may involve one or more forms of abuse.

Domestic abuse can include:

  • Physical abuse
    Hitting, pushing, slapping, choking, restraining, or any form of physical harm.

  • Coercive control
    A repeated pattern of intimidation, isolation, degradation, monitoring, and control. This may include threats, restrictions on freedom, control of finances, or fear of physical harm.

  • Emotional and psychological abuse
    Constant criticism, humiliation, gaslighting, threats, manipulation, or making you feel afraid or worthless.

  • Sexual abuse
    Any sexual activity without consent, including pressure, coercion, or exploitation.

  • Stalking and harassment
    Repeated unwanted contact, following, monitoring, or behaviour that causes fear or distress.

  • Digital and online abuse
    Controlling or monitoring your phone, social media, emails, or online accounts; sending threatening messages; sharing private information.

  • Image-based abuse (including revenge porn)
    Sharing or threatening to share private or intimate images without consent.

Abuse can happen regardless of your age, disability, relationship status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Contact us