Safety advice
This guidance is intended to support women of colour who may be facing domestic abuse, honour-based violence (HBV), or harmful traditional practices (such as forced marriage or female genital mutilation). Your safety and wellbeing are the priority. These situations can be complex due to cultural, family, and community pressures, but support is available, and you are not alone.
Remember, you deserve to live free from fear, control, and harm. Honour-based abuse is not acceptable. Support is available to help you stay safe and make informed choices.
Recognising risk and abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse
- Coercive control (restricting your movement, communication, or access to money)
- Threats of harm, forced marriage, or harassment
- Family or community pressure to “protect honour”
Honour-based abuse often involves multiple perpetrators (family or community members), which can increase risk. Take threats seriously, especially if there is talk of punishment, shame, or surveillance.
Prioritising immediate safety
If you are in immediate danger:
- Call emergency services (999 in the UK). If you cannot speak safely, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted.
- Try to move to a safer space (near exits, away from kitchens or weapons)
- Keep a phone accessible if possible
Safety planning
- Trusted contacts: Identify someone safe outside your immediate community
- Emergency code word: Agree on a phrase to signal distress
- Important documents: Keep copies of ID, passport, and key documents
- Escape plan: Know where you can go safely and quickly
- Essentials bag: Medication, cash, clothes, charger
- Make small, discreet preparations if you are being monitored.
Confidentiality and cultural sensitivity
You may face:
- Community stigma or pressure
- Language barriers
- Immigration concerns
Remember:
- Support services are confidential and culturally aware
- You do not need family permission to seek help
- Specialist services understand honour-based abuse
- Avoid seeking help through community members connected to your family if safety is at risk.
Digital safety
- Use a safe device when seeking help
- Use private browsing / clear history
- Turn off location sharing
- Be cautious of spyware or shared accounts
Legal rights and protections
- Honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM are criminal offences
- You can access protection orders and legal support
- Your immigration status does not remove your right to protection
Emotional wellbeing
You may feel guilt, fear, or shame – but:
- Abuse is never your fault
- Culture does not justify harm
- Seeking help is strength
When leaving is not immediately possible
- Focus on risk reduction
- Build safe external connections
- Keep emergency numbers accessible
- Watch for escalation in threats
Local (Edinburgh & Lothians) and national support
Local specialist services
Shakti Women’s Aid (Edinburgh & Lothians)
Specialist support for Black and minority ethnic women experiencing domestic or honour?based abuse.
0131 475 2399
Edinburgh Women’s Aid
Confidential support, refuge, and advocacy for women and children.
0131 315 8110
Bright Choices (Multicultural Family Base)
Support for honour-based violence, forced marriage, and FGM.
0131 622 7500
Beira’s Place (Lothians)
Support for women affected by sexual violence and abuse.
0131 526 3944
Scotland-wide and national helplines
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (24/7)
0800 027 1234
Karma Nirvana (Honour-Based Abuse Helpline)
0800 5999 247
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre (legal advice)
08088 010 789
Police Scotland (non-emergency)
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