Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child abuse.

f you believe that someone is at immediate risk of significant harm, please contact Police Scotland on 999.

If you have concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, you can contact:

East Dunbartonshire Social Work Advice and Response Team - 0141 777 3000
Out of Hours Social Work Service - 0300 343 1505
Police Scotland (non-emergency) - 101

Gender based violence encompasses acts that result in sexual, psychological or physical harm or suffering, affront to human dignity, including threats of such acts, coercion or restriction of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.

It is recognised that a majority of this violence is perpetrated by men against women and children. East Dunbartonshire Council aligns with the Scottish Government position on gender based violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We recognise that men can also be victims of abuse and that it happens in same sex relationships. Using this gendered understanding does not exclude men, but rather recognises that women and children are disproportionately affected by particular forms of violence. We condemn all forms of violence and abuse.

Everyone can play a role in challenging harmful behaviour and attitudes, breaking down gender norms and promoting gender balance in public life such as on boards and in organisations. We welcome opportunities for people of all genders and ages to work together as allies in eradicating gender based violence.

Public and voluntary sector services in East Dunbartonshire are committed to working together to prevent and eliminate gender based violence. Representatives from different services meet as a group called Empowered to:

share practice and add value to each other's services
highlight gaps and work together
effect positive change to the ways that services respond in East Dunbartonshire.

For further information about Empowered and its member services please contact the Community Planning and Partnerships Team on communityplanning@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 123 4510.

Gender based violence covers a spectrum of violence and abuse.

Child sexual exploitation

Commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking

There is no fixed or legal definition of commercial sexual exploitation. There has been limited public debate on what makes the difference between something being sexually explicit and sexually exploitative. The Women’s Support Project defines sexual exploitation as a practice by which a person achieves sexual gratification, financial gain or advancement through the abuse or exploitation of a person’s sexuality by abrogating that person’s human right to dignity, equality, autonomy, and physical and mental wellbeing; i.e. trafficking, prostitution, prostitution tourism, mail-order-bride trade, pornography, stripping, battering, incest, rape and sexual harassment. Sexual exploitation includes offering drugs, food, shelter, protection, other basics of life, and/or money in exchange for sex or sexual acts (Women’s Support Project). The Scottish Government definition of commercial sexual exploitation notes that it is harmful “irrespective of whether individual women claim success or empowerment from the activity”.

Human trafficking

Human trafficking and exploitation are complex and hidden crimes, as well as abuses of human rights and dignity. They are not only international issues, nor are they confined to larger towns and cities, but can and do affect communities all over Scotland. People can be exploited for a number of purposes – sex, labour, crime (e.g. benefit fraud and forced drugs cultivation), domestic servitude, sham marriages and organ trafficking. The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 created two separate offences of human trafficking and slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour (COSLA Migration Scotland).

There are common myths about human trafficking and exploitation, for example in Scotland there is no need for movement or travel to have occurred for human trafficking or exploitation to have taken place. You can find out more on COSLA’s Migration Scotland website.

Further information and support

Service	Information
Routes Out Phone: 0141 276 0737	Routes Out is a Glasgow based service that offers advice, information and support if you are looking to increase your safety, look at alternatives to selling sex or looking for support around a range of personal or social issues including health, debt, rights and accommodation.
TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance) Phone (24 hours): 0141 276 7724	TARA is a Glasgow based support service for women over the age of 18 who may have been trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Staff can support someone to report to the police or can pass on anonymised information.
Sandyford G3 Priority Clinic Appointments phone: 0141 211 8610	The G3 Priority Clinic in Glasgow is a confidential and discreet sexual health service for women and men involved in the commercial sex industry (such as selling sex online, in flats or escorting, lap dancing, stripping on camera).
Police Scotland Emergency: 999 Non-emergency: 101	Police Scotland provide information on potential signs of human trafficking and how to report trafficking concerns.
Migrant Help Phone: 0141 884 7900 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or 0141 212 8553 (out of hours)Information via email here	A Scottish service for confidential help and advice if you, or someone you know has been trafficked, is over 18 and is not a woman involved in commercial sexual exploitation.
Modern Slavery Helpline Phone (24 hours): 08000 121 700	The UK Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre provides victims, the public, statutory agencies and businesses access to information and support.
Scottish Government Human Trafficking Information	This webpage provides an overview of human trafficking with links to other information including: Scottish trafficking and exploitation Strategy Support for trafficking victims Signs of human trafficking Resources for awareness raising including some in different languages
UK Home Office - National Referral Mechanism	Information for workers on: Definitions and indicators of trafficking Referring cases to NRM Access to support Completing NRM form Consent

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is persistent and controlling behaviour by a partner or ex-partner which causes emotional, physical, sexual and/or financial harm.

It often gets worse over time. In a majority of cases it is experienced by women and children and is perpetrated by men. Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse, regardless of age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status. Domestic abuse is a violation of human rights and never the fault of the victim (East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid).

The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 created a statutory offence of domestic abuse against a partner or ex-partner. The offence defines abusive behaviour as that which is violent, threatening or intimidating. Behaviour whose purpose is one of the following:

making a partner dependent or subordinate;
isolating a partner from friends, relatives or other sources of support;
controlling, regulating or monitoring a partner's day-to-day activities;
depriving a partner of, or restricting, freedom of action; or
frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing a partner.

Further information and support

Service	Information
East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid Phone: 0141 776 0864 Information and support via Womans Aid Email	A local organisation providing information, support and safe refuge accommodation for women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Outreach service in primary and secondary schools for children and young people who have experience of domestic abuse
Abused Men in Scotland Phone: 0808 800 0024 Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm Information and support	A national organisation dedicated to supporting men who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.
Children Experiencing Domestic Abuse Recovery (CEDAR) Project 0141 955 3040	An East Dunbartonshire therapeutic group work programme for children, young people (aged 4-16) and their mothers, with the main aim of helping mothers to understand the effect of domestic abuse on children and to support children in their recovery.
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Phone: 08088 00 00 14 Information and support via Rape Crisis Center email Workers can call their office line on 0141 552 3201	A support service for women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime.
Scotland’s National Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 24-Hour national helpline: 0800 027 1234 Information and support via SDAFMH email	A confidential 24-hour support service for anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.
Galop LGBT+ domestic abuse national helpline: 0800 999 5428 LGBT+ domestic abuse information and support via Galop email	A confidential LGBT+ service for all members of the LGBT communities, their family, friends, and agencies supporting them. Information and support on hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre Phone: 08088 010 789 Tuesday 6pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1.30pm to 4.30pm and Friday 10am to1pm	The Scottish Women’s Rights Centre women aged 16 and over affected by violence and abuse by providing free legal information and advice. Weekly surgeries in Glasgow and monthly surgeries in Lanarkshire available.
Police Scotland Emergency – 999 Non-emergencies - 101	Information about how to report domestic abuse The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scheme gives men and women the right to ask about the background of their partner, potential partner or someone who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive.
Childline 24 hour national helpline: 0800 1111 Information and support via email Childline Information and support via 1-2-1 counsellor chat	A free and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they are going through including domestic abuse.
The Hideout	Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it is happening.

Honour’ violence, forced marriage and FGM

Honour' based violence

is a form of domestic abuse and a controlling mechanism which is perpetrated by immediate and extended family members on women who are considered to have brought shame on themselves, their family and the community. Victims may experience isolation, threats, physical violence and extreme emotional pressure and may be murdered in order to protect so-called cultural and religious beliefs (Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid).

Forced marriage

occurs when family members, including extended family members, who use physical violence or emotional pressure to make you to marry someone against your will. In this situation the individual will normally be coerced into going through with the ceremony. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it an offence in Scotland to force someone into marriage. This includes:

taking someone abroad to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place) and
marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they're pressured to or not).

There is a clear distinction between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage. An arranged marriage occurs where both parties consent to the arrangement and is usually a contract between two families. A forced marriage occurs where there is no free and valid consent by one or both parties (Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid).

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

includes all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is known by different names including ‘cutting’, ‘female circumcision’, and ‘initiation’. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘sunna’, although FGM predates Christianity and Islam and is not approved by any religion (FGM aware). The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005 made it a criminal offence in Scotland to have female genital mutilation carried out in Scotland or abroad.

Further information and support

Service	Information
Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid 24 hour helpline: 0141 353 0859 Information and support via email Hemat Gryffe	A Glasgow based organisation that provides information, safe refuge accommodation, outreach services and follow on services to women, children and young people primarily from the ethnic minority community. Services are free and confidential and include: culturally sensitive counselling/listening ear service; information on domestic abuse, forced marriage and immigration matters including the immigration rules affecting women living in the United Kingdom on Spousal Visas who have no recourse to public funds.
Shatki Women’s Aid Phone: 0131 475 2399 Information and support via email Shatki	An Edinburgh based organisation with outreach staff in Dundee, Stirling and Fife. Shakti provides help for black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people who are experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse and additional issues such forced marriage, female genital mutilation, immigration rights, and ‘honour-based abuse’ from family, household and community.
Legal Services Agency (LSA) - Refugee and Migrant Women’s Project Phone: 0800 316 8450 or 0141 353 3354 Tuesdays 2pm-4pm Information via email LSA	A Law Centre and Charity that provides legal advice and representation to refugee and migrant women and children in Scotland who have an unsettled asylum/immigration position and who have experienced gender-based violence in their country of origin and/or the UK. How to make an appointment and their Glasgow drop in surgery
UK Forced Marriage Unit 24 hour advice and helpline: 0800 027 1234	The Forced Marriage Unit is a joint-initiative with the Home Office. Information and practice guidelines for professionals protecting, advising and supporting victims.
NSPCC – FGM help 24 hour helpline: 0800 028 3550 Information and support via email FGM help	NSPCC provides information and support for anyone concerned about girls or women at risk of FGM.
Childline 24 hour national helpline: 0800 1111 Information and support via email Childline Information and support via 1-2-1 counsellor chat	A free and confidential service for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through including forced marriage and FGM).
FGM aware	Scottish based information about FGM, indicators of risks, the law and resources.

Rape and sexual assault

Rape and sexual assault are types of sexual violence that can have a devastating effect. It happens when someone does not consent to a sexual act.

Anyone can be raped or sexually assaulted by someone they know or a stranger. It can happen to anyone – women, men and children. It may have happened recently or a long time ago. It can happen once or often.

Unsure about consent? Watch this short animation to find out more.

A broad range of information is available from Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis. Here you will find:

Range of information
Frequently asked questions Factsheets Information if you have just been raped The law Information for young people Childhood sexual abuse Commercial sexual exploitation Information for family and friends Information for LGBT people Ruby Project ROSEY Project	Support for reporting an offence Instant message service Drop-in service Face-to-face support Outreach support Email support Group support Access for deaf women Information for workers Survivor forum Survivors abroad Strathclyde University Campus Support

Rape and sexual assault terms and court procedures explained available.

Further Information and support

Services	Information
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Phone: 08088 00 00 14 Support via email. Workers can call the office on 0141 552 3201	Information and support for women and girls aged 13 and over who have been raped, sexually assaulted or sexually abused at some point in their lifetime. Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis also provide an outreach East Dunbartonshire service.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Archway) Phone: 0141 211 8175	Forensic examinations, testing for infections and emotional support. Archway can also store forensic samples to give you time to decide if you want to involve the police. This service is for anyone over 13 who has been raped or sexually assaulted in Greater Glasgow in the last 7 days.
Rape Crisis Scotland National helpline: 08088 010302 (6pm to midnight, 7 days a week)	A helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence. They can also put you in touch with local services for ongoing support.
Victim Support Scotland Phone: 0345 603 9213 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm	Information and support for victims of crime.
Eighteen and Under Phone: 0800 731 40 80 Monday-Friday 9am -5pm	Confidential support and information for anyone under the age of 18 who has experienced sexual, physical or emotional abuse.
Say Women Phone: 0141 552 5803	Safe and 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. Say Women currently provide an East Dunbartonshire service.
Scottish Women's Rights Centre Helpline: 08088 010 789 (1.30pm to 4.30pm, Wednesdays) Book an appointment in Glasgow: 0141 552 3201 Book an appointment in Hamilton: 01698 527 003	Free legal help for women affected by violence, such as rape, domestic abuse, stalking, forced marriage and human trafficking. Phone the helpline or book an appointment for one of the surgeries in Glasgow or Hamilton.

Stalking and sexual harassment

Stalking

Stalking is illegal and can include being followed, constantly being contacted by another person or being sent unwanted emails or gifts. There is a prevalent myth that stalking is only experienced by celebrities or perhaps carried out by people with severe mental health problems. The popular media often sensationalises stalking cases so that we believe that it happens rarely and in the most extreme of circumstances. However stalking is experienced by many people across the country to the extent that their lives are completely controlled by it. It is often carried out by ex-partners and is a method by which domestic abuse can carry on long after separation. A recent national survey revealed that only 10% of stalkers were unknown to their victims.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature which:

violates your dignity;
makes you feel intimidated, degraded or humiliated; or
creates a hostile or offensive environment.

You don’t need to have previously objected to someone's behaviour for it to be considered unwanted (Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis).

Further information and support

Services	Information
National Stalking Helpline Phone: 0808 802 0300	A confidential service from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. They'll provide impartial advice and information to men and women, including: how to identify if you're being stalked the law on stalking how to protect yourself talking to the police
Action Against Stalking Information and support via email here	A charity that campaigns against stalking and champions the rights of stalking victims.
Victim Support Scotland Phone: 0345 603 9213 Monday to Friday 8am-8pm	Information and support for victims of crime.
Police Scotland Phone: 101 or 999 if it is an emergency Online: Stalking Report Form	Information about stalking, practical safety advice, dealing with stalking behaviours and ways that Police Scotland can help you.
Scottish Women's Rights Centre Helpline: 08088 010 789 (1.30pm to 4.30pm, Wednesdays) Book an appointment in Glasgow: 0141 552 3201 Book an appointment in Hamilton: 01698 527 003	Free legal help for women affected by violence, such as rape, domestic abuse, stalking, forced marriage and human trafficking. Phone the helpline or book an appointment for one of the surgeries in Glasgow or Hamilton.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau East Dunbartonshire phone: 0141 775 3220 via email here	Detailed information about the law and your rights in relation to sexual harassment.
Engender	A policy organisation aiming to make women’s inequality visible and to lobby for changes to services, policy, regulation, practices, and laws that negatively affect women. You can read a range of research, analysis and reports on their website. Engender does not have a helpline and is unable to give legal advice on individual cases.

Public Protection

Gender-based Violence

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of child abuse.

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