Your immediate safety in an emergency

Call 999 immediately if there is risk of harm

You should always call 999 if you believe you, your children or someone you know are at immediate risk of harm.

How to ‘silent call’ for help from a phone

Use this method if you are in an emergency where you cannot openly speak or verbally ask for help.

If you are using a mobile:

1. Dial 999
2. Listen to the questions from the 999 operator
3. Try and cough, tap the handset or whisper to communicate if possible
4. Try to give as much detail as possible such as name and location
5. If prompted, press 55 to be put through to the police If you are using a landline the silent system is not used.

If you are using a landline the silent system is not used. You do not need to dial ‘55’. If you do not speak, you will automatically be transferred to a police call handler.

If you need temporary accommodation, with children if you have any

If you need to leave home immediately, you can get advice and access to emergency accommodation by calling the 24/7 Homelessness helpline on 0800 917 6379.

Aberdeen council have a duty to help you if it is likely that staying in your home will lead to domestic violence being threatened or committed. 

If you have the option to, you may want to consider if you could: 

• stay with relatives or friends 
• get privately rented accommodation 

Your safety and your children’s safety must come first so only take things if you have time to safely do so. These items could be your phone, keys, a little money, photographic identification and other essential items such as medication. 

If you need to speak to someone, use a 24-hour helpline 

If you need to speak to someone now, you can call Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage 24/7 helpline on 0800 027 1234. They will give you the most up-to-date information on local services, including temporary housing. 

Get longer term help through local services 

There are many domestic abuse services in Aberdeen which specialise helping and supporting people through their individual situations.  

 These places will provide non-judgemental advice and emotional support. As well as this, practical advice including, legal action, child safety, financial matters, immigration, seeking asylum advice and more.  

Use our website to find domestic abuse support services in Aberdeen.

Remember you are not alone

Even though domestic abuse may not be widely talked about we know that it happens to those of all ages and ethnicities and from all walks of life. Often survivors are made to feel ashamed or scared to talk about their experiences. Nobody should have to face domestic abuse on their own and there are lots of services and groups available to support you.