Resources for victims of domestic or child abuse

Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support Fund: Never more needed


Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline remains fully operational during the coronavirus pandemic. Call 24/7 on 0800 027 1234, or email and web chat from www.sdafmh.org.uk


Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline is available on 08088 01 03 02. Calls to this number are free. Or email [email protected] or text 07537 410027;


NSPCC advice and support for parents and carers


Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Child Protection Contacts


What to do if you need urgent police help through the 999 service, but can’t speak

Calls from mobiles

“The Silent Solution” is a service that allows people in emergency situations to summon police without alerting an attacker that they are on the phone.

When someone calls 999 from a mobile phone the call is routed to a BT operator who asks which emergency service is required. If no-one responds, the operator must find out if the call is genuine or a ‘pocket dial’.

In this instance, callers are urged to make a noise – like coughing or tapping the phone – if they need help but can’t speak.

Police say that it is important to listen to the operator as they will then ask the caller to press ‘55‘ if the caller requires the police.

The ‘silent solution’ is only used for calls coming from mobile phones, as it is more likely that accidental calls will be made from them.

Calls from landlines

In the case of landline phone calls, if the BT operator doesn’t get any response to their questions, but can hear background noise, they’ll automatically forward the call to the police.

It is vitally important to listen to the call handler and cough or tape and press 55 when asked, so they know you are in real need of help.

Please do not use the eConsult system for urgent matters as we may not respond to your eConsult the same day it is submitted.