Domestic Abuse is more common than you think

Domestic abuse is the most common form of violence against women and girls — and it is also one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and children in Scotland. The Scottish Government now recognises domestic abuse as a form of gender-based violence.

Domestic Abuse: A Housing and Community Issue

Over 63,000 incidents of domestic abuse were recorded in Scotland last year.

Across the UK, a domestic abuse–related call is made every 30 seconds.

81% of cases involve a male perpetrator and a female victim/survivor.

1 in 5 children experience domestic abuse in their home.

Domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women.

Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, or digital, and it affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.

At Southside Housing Association, we are committed to ensuring that no one should live in fear where they live.

Our Commitment to You

At Southside Housing, we are committed to:

✔ Listening, believing and supporting victims
✔ Holding perpetrators to account
✔ Providing safe, secure housing options
✔ Working closely with partners to protect families
✔ Keeping our services accessible, safe, and confidential

Together, we can challenge violence in every space — including online.

Support and Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Support is available.

Service	What They Offer	Contact Info / Links
Scottish Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline	24/7 confidential support, advice, safety planning	0800 027 1234
Women’s Aid	Local domestic violence services and resources	https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
SafeLives	National domestic abuse information, survivor support, and professional resources	https://safelives.org.uk/
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre	Legal advice and information services for survivors	08088 010 789
SAY Women	Support and accommodation for young women aged 16–25 who have experienced abuse	https://www.say-women.co.uk/
Respect Men’s Advice Line	Confidential, non-judgemental support for men experiencing domestic abuse	0808 8010 327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm) Webchat available Wed 10–11.30am & 2–4pm

Tips if you are supporting someone: believe them, listen without judgment, help them make their own decisions, and support them in accessing professional help

What Are the 16 Days of Activism?

The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign running every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day).

It is a global effort to:

Raise awareness of violence against women and girls
Promote gender equality
Encourage people and communities to take action

The campaign highlights that gender-based violence is a serious human rights violation that happens in every community, including through domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, and online harassment.

Theme: Digital Abuse

This year’s theme focuses on the rise of digital violence — including online harassment, image-based abuse, monitoring, and coercive control.
Abuse doesn’t only happen behind closed doors. It can happen on phones, apps, and online spaces too.

What Can You Do?

Report it.
If something doesn’t feel right — a worry, a concern, a gut feeling — raise it.

Nothing will change unless we make a change.

Speaking up isn’t always easy, but it helps protect our tenants, our neighbours, and our wider community. At Southside Housing, we respond sensitively, safely, and confidentially.

We all have a role.
We all have responsibility.
Let’s look out for one another.