Domestic violence and abuse - getting help

Important

If there’s an emergency

Call the police on 999.

If you're a victim of domestic violence or abuse, there are many different organisations which can help you.

If you think you've experienced trafficking, find out more about about getting help.

Organisations for women

National Domestic Abuse helpline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a freephone 24 hour helpline which provides advice and support to women and can refer them to emergency accommodation.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is run by Refuge.

There are translation facilities if your first language is not English. The Helpline also offers BT Type talk for callers with hearing difficulties. The Helpline worker contacts the Type talk operator so that the caller can communicate through them.

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Refuge

Their helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence.

Refuge also provide safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK, including culturally-specific services for women from minority ethnic communities and cultures.

Their website also includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.

Website: www.refuge.org.uk

Women's Aid

The Women's Aid website provides a wide range of resources to help women and young people.

This includes The Survivor's Handbook which provides a range of information including legal and housing advice, tips on how to create a safety plan and advice for people with specialist housing needs. It's available in 11 languages and in audio. 

They also run a website to support to children and teenagers who may be living in a home affected by domestic violence, or who may be in a violent relationship themselves.

Website: http://www.womensaid.org.uk

Rights of Women

Rights of Women offers confidential legal advice on domestic and sexual violence. You can find out more about what they do and when they’re open on their website.

Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk

Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS)

FLOWS gives legal advice to women who are affected by domestic abuse - they also give advice to front line workers.

You can check the FLOWS website.

Southall Black Sisters

Southall Black Sisters provide advice for Black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women with issues including domestic abuse, forced marriage, immigration and homelessness.

Website: www.southallblacksisters.org.uk

Organisations for men

Respect - Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. They provide emotional support and practical advice, and can give you details of specialist services that can give you advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.

Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

ManKind Initiative

The ManKind Initiative is a charity offering information and support to men who are victims of domestic abuse or violence. This can include information and support on reporting incidents, police procedures, housing, benefits and injunctions. They can refer you to a refuge, local authority or other another support service if you need it.

Website: new.mankind.org.uk

SurvivorsUK

This is a helpline for men who have been victims of rape or sexual abuse.

They may be able to arrange counselling or a support group if you live in the London area, or provide details of an appropriate service if you don't.

Website: www.survivorsuk.org

Organisations for women and men

RCJ Advice Family Service

RCJ Advice Family Service can give legal advice to people who are affected by domestic abuse or need family law help – find out more on the RCJ Advice website.

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis (England and Wales) is an umbrella organisation for Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales. The website has contact details for centres and gives basic information about rape and sexual violence for survivors, friends, family, students and professionals. Rape Crisis (England and Wales) also runs a freephone helpline.

Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

Honour Network Helpline

The Honour Network Helpline is a national helpline run by Karma Nirvana, a national charity which advises victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.

Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk

Hourglass

Hourglass gives confidential advice and information to older people who are victims of violence or abuse. A relative or friend of the person being abused can also contact the helpline on behalf of the older person. The helpline can be used in the case of older people who live at home, in a care home or who are in hospital.

Website: wearehourglass.org

National Stalking Helpline

The National Stalking Helpline can provide advice on how to deal with any type of stalking behaviour. This includes advice on how to report the behaviour to the police, and what you can expect if you report something.

Website: www.stalkinghelpline.org

Respect Phoneline

Respect Phoneline offers information and advice to partners, friends and family who want to stop someone's violent behaviour.

Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk

Organisations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

Galop provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.

Website: www.galop.org.uk/get-help

Organisations for disabled people

SignHealth - Domestic Abuse Service

SignHealth provides a specialist domestic abuse service to help Deaf people find safety and security. You can find out how to contact them on their website.

Website: www.signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-service/

Respond

Respond work with children and adults with learning disabilities who’ve either experienced abuse or abused other people. 

Website: www.respond.org.uk