East Lothian Council provides a service for people of either sex who are experiencing, or are threatened with, domestic abuse.

Please come and see us as soon as you can.  We will be sympathetic and sensitive, and give you all the help we are able to. Remember, someone who is the same sex as you can interview you and you can be interviewed at any office you choose.

Things that might help you when you visit us

We know that coming to see us might be difficult, so please read the information below – it may help to set your mind at rest.

· We won’t ask you to prove that you have been abused.
· We won’t get in touch with the person that you say has been abusing you.
· We will only get in touch with friends and neighbours if you tell us that we can.
· We may need to make some enquiries into your situation to support your application for housing.  We will contact agencies and individuals who you feel can help us with this.  However, if you haven’t told anyone about the abuse before, we will believe what you tell us and take your concerns seriously.
· We can tell you about other services that might help you, for example if you are female, Women’s Aid.
· We will make sure that you have a safe place to stay.   For example, a women’s refuge or temporary accommodation.
· We will try to cause as little disruption to your family life as possible.  If you want to live somewhere near your children’s school(s), or your work, or if you have particular health needs, please tell us.  We will take this into account when we find you somewhere permanent to live.

For more information, please contact your Homelessness and Advice Officer or our Homeless Hotline on Freephone 0800 1691611.  Please see our Charter for Homeless People too.

Come and see us as soon as you can.  We’re here to help.

Further information about Domestic Abuse issues in East Lothian can be found here.

Information about the services provided by  East Lothian Women's Aid, is available here. A specialised service aimed at all black and ethnic minority women and their children is available from Shakti Women's Aid, tel. 0131 475 2399