Central Scotland Police

Victim Support

Central Scotland Police is committed to ensuring victims of crime are treated sensitively and have access to the appropriate support and information.

We work closely with a wide range of partners who can help you if you have become a victim of crime.

There are a number of victim support organisations operating in Central Scotland. For further details please refer to the following list for contact details:

Advocacy Into Action

The voice for people with a learning disability. Independent Advocacy for People with Learning Disabilities in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

Broken Rainbow

Broken Rainbow LGBT Domestic Violence (UK) was started in 2002 and became a registered charity in 2004.

Broken Rainbow's objective is to relieve the distress and suffering caused to lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender (hereinafter called "LGBT") people by domestic violence and abuse, in particular but not exclusively by doing the following: Raising awareness in the LGBT community and elsewhere of the impact of homophobic, transphobic and same sex domestic violence on the lives of LGBT people.

Central Scotland Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre

Provides a free and confidential service of emotional support and practical information on medical and legal issues for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual assault or child sexual abuse. Support is also offered to families and friends who may be affected by sexual violation.

Helpline 01786 471771

ChildLine in Scotland

ChildLine in Scotland is the free and confidential helpline service for children and young people with any problem. Trained volunteer counselors offer comfort, support and advice on a wide range of issues including bullying, sexual or physical abuse, family problems, sexual health issues and many more. Children and young people can contact ChildLine free on 0800 1111.

ChildLine in Scotland also has a designated helpline for children and young people who have a bullying concern. Young people can call the Bullying Line on 0800 44 1111 and speak to a trained volunteer counselor. Children and young people who are living away from home such as at boarding school, living in a residential home or are spending time in hospital can call The Line on 0800 88 44 44.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

Administration of Government funded Scheme to compensate victims of violent crime or, in fatal cases, their immediate families, throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The Authority operates from its headquarters, Tay House, in Glasgow.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre

Our aim is to provide a 'one door' point of access for blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind people of all ages, in one location. We work in partnership with Falkirk, Stirling & Clackmannanshire Councils, Forth Valley NHS, RNIB, RNID & Guide Dogs to deliver a range of specialist social work services to people with sensory impairment living in the Forth Valley area, their carers, families and related service providers.

We aim to promote and enable peoples' continuing independence, minimise risk and reduce the effects of isolation and anxiety. We can provide assessment, specialist rehabilitation and training services, sign language interpreting services, transcription into Braille, CD or tape, information and translation, advice, equipment, support worker service, social groups, volunteer opportunities and IT classes. Find us in the 'specialist services'section of the Falkirk Council website.

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid

Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid provide safe temporary refuge accommodation primarily to black and minority ethnic women, children and young people who are victims of domestic abuse.

Karma Nirvana Forced Marriage Helpline

Karma Nirvana (registered charity no. 1089477) is an Asian men and women's project. Karma Nirvana's staff and most of its 18 volunteers are survivors of forced marriage and 'honour-based violence. Project founder and director Jasvinder Sanghera wants the voices of victims "to be heard" and to "shape policy".

NHS Forth Valley

NHS Forth Valley provides healthcare to the residents of Forth Valley through hospitals, community services and primary care services. The NHS Forth Valley directorate of public health gives support and advice relating to health protection, health improvement and health service development.

Open Secret

Open Secret is a charitable organisation whose remit is to provide free and confidential support services for individuals and families affected by childhood abuse.

PETAL

To Provide Practical and Emotional Support, Advocacy, Group Support and Counseling for those Families and Friends affected by Murder and Suicide.

Procurator Fiscals Office - VIA COPFS

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) is responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths, and the investigation of complaints against the police. We work closely with our partners in the criminal justice system to help make Scotland a safer place.

One of our key objectives is to provide services that meet the information needs of victims, witnesses and next of kin, in co-operation with other agencies. In particular we have a dedicated service through Victim Information and Advice (VIA) to assist victims and witnesses.

Samaritans

Provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. Samaritans volunteers listen in confidence to anyone in any type of emotional distress, without judging or telling people what to do.

Samaritans doesnÆt offer advice, but by encouraging people who contact us to talk about their feelings we are able to help them explore all the options they have. Samaritans believes that given the time and space to work problems or difficulties through in confidence, people can find an inner strength and perspective which lets them find their own way forward.

Contact Samaritans by phoning 08457 90 90 90.

Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline

You can call the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline FREE on 0800 027 1234 in absolute confidence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help and information. Calls to the helpline are NOT recorded on telephone bills.

Scottish Women's Aid

Scottish Women's Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse.

Members are local Women's Aid groups which provide specialist services to women, children and young people. These include safe refuge accommodation, information and support.

Shakti Women's Aid

Shakti is an organisation based in Edinburgh that helps women who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Shakti offer support and information to all black minority ethnic women (over 16 years) and their children experiencing and/or fleeing domestic abuse from:

• partners/husbands
• ex-partners
• other family members

Over 10 years Shakti has made a positive difference to the lives of over 1600 women and their children.

Victim Support

Victim Support staff and volunteers understand the practical and emotional difficulties caused by crime and provide free, confidential and independent help through a choice of contact - telephone support, home visit or office appointment.