Women’s Aid East and Midlothian is a charity that supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, campaigns to raise awareness of this issue and supports other domestic and sexual violence services throughout the area. We accept referrals from social work, healthcare and education professionals. We also accept self-referrals. We offer a drop-in service, support and crisis telephone line and one to one appointments at our two Crisis Centres. We will work with women and children at their pace and on their terms. We realise that making the first step is difficult. Some women will need practical help and may move into one of our refuges until they can find alternative accommodation for themselves and their children, others will continue to live in their own homes and some will move in with relatives or friends. In almost all cases the women are experiencing financial and housing difficulties as well as emotional and health problems. A significant proportion of the service users have some mental health problems. We endeavor to provide whatever practical and emotional support the women and children need. As an organisation we have a belief in equality of all people regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation or ability. We believe all women and children who come to us for support. We do not seek evidence for support of personal histories. We believe women and children have a right to live free from all forms of violence and abuse and society has a duty to recognise and defend this right. Domestic violence is a violation of human rights.