Updated: Friday 6 March 2026
Content note: This page contains information about sexual harassment, sexual violence and domestic abuse. It signposts organisations that provide confidential support, advice and specialist services for people affected by these issues.
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is committed to signposting clear and accessible support for anyone affected by sexual harassment, violence or domestic abuse. The organisations listed below provide confidential support, advice and guidance.
Please note: the SMIA does not provide direct counselling or crisis services.
This page highlights a selection of support services and is not exhaustive. If you would like to suggest an organisation to include, please contact the SMIA team so we can continue updating this resource.
Immediate Support
If you, or someone around you, is in immediate danger or requires urgent assistance, call 999.
If you require urgent mental health support:
Samaritans
24-hour support line for anyone struggling to cope.
Helpline: 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org
NHS 24
Urgent health advice and mental health support.
Helpline: 111
https://www.nhs24.scot
For non-emergency situations, you can contact the police by calling 101, or visit a police station to speak with an officer.
Support for Musicians and Music Industry Workers
Musicians’ Union – Safe Space
Confidential reporting and support scheme for musicians who have experienced sexism, sexual harassment or abuse within the music industry.
https://www.musafespace.org.uk
Email: safespace@theMU.org
Music Minds Matter
24/7 support line for people working in music, offering emotional support and advice from accredited counsellors.
Helpline: 0808 802 8008
https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Music Support
Confidential listening service delivered by trained industry peers with lived experience of the music and live events sectors.
Helpline: 0800 030 6789
Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00
https://www.musicsupport.org
Sexual Violence and Harassment Support
Rape Crisis Scotland
Confidential support and information for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Helpline: 08088 01 03 02
Text: 07537 410 027
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Opening hours: 5pm – midnight, daily
https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
SurvivorsUK
Support services for men and non-binary people who have experienced sexual violence, including counselling and practical support.
https://www.survivorsuk.org
Galop
Advice, support and advocacy for LGBT+ people affected by hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Helpline: 0207 704 2040
https://galop.org.uk
Victim Support
Free and confidential support for people affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.
Helpline: 0808 168 9111
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
NHS Scotland Sexual Assault Self-Referral Service (SARCS)
Healthcare and support for people who have experienced sexual assault, including the option to self-refer without reporting to the police.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/turn-to-sarcs/
Domestic Abuse Support
Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Run by Scottish Women’s Aid, providing confidential advice and access to local support services and refuges.
24-hour helpline: 0800 027 1234
Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
Text / WhatsApp: 07401 288 595
https://sdafmh.org.uk
End Violence Against Women Coalition
UK-wide coalition campaigning to end violence against women and girls.
https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
Legal Advice and Advocacy
Scottish Women’s Rights Centre
Free legal advice, advocacy and representation for women aged 16+ who have experienced gender-based violence.
Helpline: 0808 801 0789
https://www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk
Rights of Women
Legal advice on sexual violence, harassment and employment rights.
https://rightsofwomen.org.uk
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Support and services for people experiencing mental health difficulties across Scotland.
https://www.samh.org.uk
Breathing Space Scotland
Confidential support for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Helpline: 0800 83 85 87
https://breathingspace.scot
PAPYRUS – HOPELINEUK
Suicide prevention support for young people and those concerned about them.
Helpline: 0800 068 4141
https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Sexual Health Services
Sandyford Sexual Health Services
Specialist sexual health service for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
https://www.sandyford.scot
Support for People Affected by Stalking
Suzy Lamplugh Trust – National Stalking Helpline
Helpline: 0808 802 0300
https://www.suzylamplugh.org
Action Against Stalking
Helpline: 0800 820 2427
https://www.actionagainststalking.org
Background
Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Glasgow published the report Women Musicians’ Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music, exploring the experiences of women musicians working and participating in the Scottish folk music scene. The research highlights the prevalence of harassment and sexual violence within parts of the sector and aims to support wider awareness and community-led action.
Read the report:
https://www.sccjr.ac.uk/publication/women-musicians-experiences-scottish-folk-musi