Domestic Abuse

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West Lothian Council welcomes the promotion of services available for victims of domestic abuse. It is vital that people affected by violence seek help and support as soon as possible. West Lothian has the appropriate services that are delivered in partnership and can assist families when they need help at the most vital of times.

To report Domestic Violence please call - West Lothian Domestic and Sexual Assault Team (DASAT) on 01506 281055 or email dasat@westlothian.gov.uk  for confidential and friendly support. They provide tailored support for adults and children survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Living in safe accommodation (LISA) -Call: 01506 281055

If the incident requires immediate attention please contact your local police office.  In an emergency always call 999 (if the incident is ongoing or life is in danger). For non emergencies call 101.

If you have been the victim or witness to domestic abuse, or have concerns regarding a victim of domestic abuse there are several ways you can report this to the police.

• At your local police office.  If the incident is urgent, this is the best way to report it.  If someone is in immediate danger always phone 999.
• At a remote reporting site (See related documents).  Trained staff from partner agencies can take your report and forward it to the police.
• Use the police  online domestic abuse form (opens new window)  If you are unable to go to your local office or remote reporting site (or prefer to remain anonymous), you can submit the form directly to the police.
• Download a form and post it to the Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit at the address given.

  Domestic Abuse Coordination Unit
  173 Pitt Street
  Glasgow
  G2 4JS

Reporting incidents assists Police Scotland in tackling domestic abuse.  The information you provide is valuable.  It enables the police to identify areas of concern and patterns of behaviour that could lead to the prosecution of offenders and to ensuring the safety of the victim.

They will record all information submitted and appropriate action will be taken.

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Help us to help you

You can help us to help you by:

• Providing as much detail as possible about what has happened to you.
• Making a note of the time and date and place the incident(s) took place.
• Providing the names and addresses of anyone who saw/heard the abuse or whom you told about what was happening to you.
• Keeping anything that may confirm what happened to you e.g. mobile phone video or audio recording, threatening text messages or abusive mail.

What will the police do?

Police Scotland is committed to providing a professional, sensitive and consistent approach to victims of domestic abuse. This means:

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of victims, their families and any other person present.
• Thorough investigation of all incidents, securing all available evidence and taking appropriate action.
• Actively pursuing offenders so that they can be held accountable through the criminal justice system.
• Ensuring that appropriate information and advice is provided in relation to the support available from other agencies.

Standards you can expect

Police Scotland and the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service have agreed a joint protocol outlining procedures and practices to be followed in domestic abuse cases.

You can download a copy of this protocol in the related files section below.

Domestic Abuse Liaison Officers

Domestic abuse liaison officers are not responsible for the routine investigation of domestic abuse incidents but will ensure a close monitoring of reported incidents, liaison with other agencies and will provide a personal link to victims to explain police procedures and provide you with information regarding your legal rights and options.

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