Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3

Drugs and alcohol
Many women try to cope with the abuse by drinking alcohol or taking prescription and non-prescription drugs. These can lead to other health problems and difficulties such as debt. You can get support to find other ways of coping with stress and abuse. Your GP can tell you about help available. Section 12 on sources of help and support has details of local support organisations.

Children’s health
The abuse can also affect children’s physical and mental health. They may show signs of stress such as bedwetting, nightmares, poor concentration, bad behaviour or depression.

If you are concerned about a child’s physical and emotional health, speak to your child’s GP or health visitor. They will link you into other services in East Lothian.

Getting help
You can tell any health worker such as your GP, health visitor, district nurse, midwife or practice nurse about the abuse. Many health workers in East Lothian have had training on domestic abuse, and they understand that it may be difficult for you to talk about it.

You can speak to a health worker in confidence. They will not tell anyone else what you say unless they think that a child is at risk of harm.

If your abusive partner always accompanies you to appointments, you may need to go at a particular time or make some excuse to see a health worker on your own. You can ask to have injuries photographed and documented in case you ever need this for evidence in the future.

You can phone NHS 24 any time for advice or help on 08454 242424 or see online at www.nhs24.com

For details of sources of help and support see section 12

Next Page | Previous Page