Launched on 1 July 2010 the Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre helpline provides free, confidential information and support for women and girls in the Scottish Borders who have experienced rape or sexual violence.
HELPLINE – 0800 054 2445
Opening times
Tuesday 10am – 12noon
Wednesday 12noon – 2pm
Saturday 10an – 12 noon
Background
Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre aims to provide emotional and practical support and information to women and girls aged 13 and over who have experienced rape or sexual violence in their lives. This includes sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse and other forms of sexual violence.
The centre is run by women for women. All workers are trained to a high standard and share the feminist view that violence against women is an abuse of power and should not happen.
How we work
We work to empower women: to support women to find and make their own choices. We can give you information and support, but we believe that you are the expert in your own life. This means that we will not tell you what to do.
We do not accept referrals from third parties. This means that we ask you to contact us direct, as we believe it is important that it is your own choice to access our service.
Our support service
We respect the courage and strength it takes to speak out about your experience of rape or sexual violence, whether it has been a recent assault or whether it happened a long time ago.
When you contact us:
We will believe, listen to and support women of any age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or religious and cultural background.
Confidentiality
What you tell us remains confidential within our support team. We will not tell anyone that you are being supported. There are some circumstances however, when we are required to share information with other agencies. A support worker will always discuss this with you first.
Telephone support
The opening times of our helpline may vary. When the line is not staffed there will be a message telling you when a support worker will be available to speak to you. You can either call back then or leave a message and we will return your call. If you would like us to call you back, we will not say who we are unless we speak to you directly and our telephone number is always withheld. You can use the helpline for ongoing support. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, support can be provided via a minicom.
We are committed to providing a high quality service. For this reason, from time to time, our helpline is monitored internally for training purposes.
Face to face support
When you contact us we will offer you a face-to-face session with a support worker. You can use this time in any way you choose and we can talk through what support we can offer you.
Family, friends and partners
We offer telephone support to anyone who is supporting a woman or girl aged 13 or over, who has experienced rape or sexual violence.
Support our work by:
Believing a woman or girl who tells you she’s been assaulted.
Supporting her to make her own choices about what she wants to do.
Challenging abusive behaviour or views which promote violence.
For further information on the new service call 01896 661070.
In partnership with Wemyess & March Estates and Tweeddale Museum & Gallery, Neidpath castle is to open to the public for 2 days on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September. Although Neidpath has been busy with weddings and other functions, it has not been open to the general public for a couple of years, and this [...]
Did you take some fantastic pictures over the summer holidays or is photography one of your hobbies? If so, and you are under 16 years of age, you can take part in the Our Scottish Borders photography competition and win the chance to have your photograph printed on 3,000 promotional postcards! Winning images will also be part [...]
Ever fancied trying your hand at reporting for a local paper or is IT more your thing? We have a brilliant opportunity for young people in Berwickshire to get their first experience of working in the media. Young Scot, the national youth information agency is coming to Berwickshire on Saturday, 4 September to run their [...]
On Saturday, 18 September Jedburgh opens its doors to some of its hidden architectural gems as part of the Scottish Civic Trust’s Doors Open Day. For a town which grew in the shadows of an imposing medieval castle and ancient abbey, the buildings of Jedburgh match the intensity of these dramatic structures. This FREE [...]
The second annual Borders Heritage Week highlights the history of conflict along the region’s historically shifting frontiers. The many fortifications, battles and skirmishes fought in the Borders since the Bronze Age nearly 5,000 years ago have left deep impressions in the landscape. Please visit Scottish Borders Heritage for more information on our exciting heritage. Borders Heritage [...]
The 4 Abbeys Cycle Challenge is a fantastic event that gives both novice and experienced cyclist the opportunity to experience the beautiful scenery around the 4 Abbeys of the Scottish Borders. Taking place on Sunday, 26 September 2010 registration is £10 for adults, £7 concession and under 5s go free! Registration takes place from 9 – [...]