Emergency Support

999 – If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak during the call, press 55 to let the police know you need help, and they’ll find your location and send help.

Ask for Angela – If you’re in a bar, pub, or club and feel unsafe, ask staff for ‘Angela’. This is a discreet way of signalling that you need help, and they’ll make sure you’re kept safe.

Safe Spaces – Some high street shops, banks, and pharmacies are working with UK SAYS NO MORE to provide discreet and confidential support areas for people who need to reach out for help or to contact family and friends. To access these spaces, just ask a member of staff to use their ‘safe space’. You can use the UK SAYS NO MORE website to find a safe space near you.

National Domestic Abuse Services

Refuge – The UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity. They provide a 24/7 helpline (0808 200 247) and a confidential webchat service (Monday- Friday, 10am- 10pm) which is accessible via the pink bubble at the bottom right of all webpages on their website. Their services offer confidential emotional support, advice on staying safe, emergency shelter, and much more.

Women’s Aid – A national charity that offers free emotional and practical support, legal advice and help in accessing temporary accommodation. You can find your local branch here to arrange an appointment or telephone call. Alternatively, you can use their webchat (Monday- Friday, 8am-4pm), or email Women’s Aid (helpline@womensaid.org.uk) to access support.

Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) – If you have concerns about how your partner, ex-partner, or someone you’re dating is treating you, you can request information about their history of abusive behaviour by completing this form. You can also request this information about the partner or ex of a friend or relative if you’re worried about them. Keep in mind that over 75% of domestic abuse crime goes unreported, so even if no prior history is found, it’s important to trust your instincts and to seek support if you feel unsafe or even if something just feels off.  

International Domestic Abuse Support

Hot Peach Pages – This webpage offers a comprehensive list of domestic abuse support services and agencies, organised by country. If you’re outside the UK or traveling and require urgent help, this page can assist you in finding the support you need.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support for Male Victims and Survivors

Respect Men’s Advice Line – A national helpline ran specifically for men who are experiencing domestic abuse. The offers practical advice, emotional support, and signposting to services local to you. It’s available 24/7 (0808 8010327).

You can the location of services that provide specialist support to male victims of domestic abuse here.

The Mankind Initiative – A charity that supports male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence. They have a confidential helpline (Monday- Friday 10am-4pm 0808 800 1170) which provides emotional support and advice for men in abusive situations.

SurvivorsUK – A service that provides support to male and non-binary survivors of sexual violence, they have confidential a helpline (Monday- Sunday, 12pm-8pm) and webchat service and also offer therapy and group support. You can also access support via SMS by texting 020 3322 1860, or emailing the helpline at help@survivorsuk.org.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support for LGBT+ Individuals

Galop – The national helpline for LGBT+ Victims and survivors of abuse and violence. It’s ran by LGBT+ people who provide non-judgemental emotional support, practical advice and information about your rights and options. Their services can be accessed through the helpline (0800 999 5428), email (help@galop.org.uk), or webchat which is accessible via the green bubble at the bottom right of each of the webpages on their website. Galops support is available between 10am and 8:30pm on Monday- Thursday, and between 10am- 4:30pm on Fridays.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support for Diverse Communities

Southall Black Sisters – An organisation that provides specialist support to black and minority ethnic women facing domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based violence. To get support, either call their helpline (020 8571 0800, Monday- Friday 10am-4pm), or to contact them via email, click here.

Karma Nirvana – Specialises in supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage via telephone (0800 5999 247, Monday- Friday 9am-5pm) and email. They provide a listening ear and informed suggestions as to what you should do next.

The Traveller Movement Safe Space for Women – An organisation that offers specialist support and information for Gypsy, Roma and traveller women. They have a helpline that can be accessed via telephone call or WhatsApp (0754 1637 795) that provides advice and signposting to relevant resources. Their website features a range of information, including a map to help locate local ‘Traveller-Friendly‘ services that support women experiencing domestic abuse.

Jewish Women’s Aid – The only UK organisation that provides support specialised to Jewish women who are affected by domestic abuse. They have a helpline (0808 901 0500, Monday- Thursday 9:30am-9:30pm except on Jewish holidays), webchat and a support team accessible via email (advice@jwa.org.uk), each of which offer confidential advice and support.

Muslim Women’s Network Hotline – This is a helpline that offers specialised support and advice to Muslim women and girls affected by domestic abuse. They also support Muslim men and boys who need help. Their services can be accessed by phone (0800 999 5786), email (info@mwnhelpline.co.uk), text message (07415 206 936), and webchat (Monday- Friday, 9am-4pm)

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support for Victims with Disabilities

Respond – A charity that offers support to individuals that have experienced domestic abuse and have learning difficulties and or/ autism through services such as therapy. To access their services, you can refer yourself.

SignHealth – A deaf-led charity that provide specialist support to deaf victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Their website has a variety of BSL videos on domestic abuse and they also offer accessible support programmes and tailored assistance with legal matters related to domestic abuse. You can refer yourself to their services using the link on this webpage.

Refuge – Refuge’s services are accessible to deaf people, they have resources presented in British Sign Language (BSL). They have a dedicated video call helpline (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm) that can be used to access emotional support, practical advice and signposting.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Support for Older Victims

Hourglass – A national charity that focuses on the abuse or neglect of older people. They have a 24/7 helpline (0808 808 8141), a text support service (078 6002 2906) and a live chat on their website that each provide confidential information and support to older people experiencing domestic abuse.

Specialist Support for Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse

Respect – A confidential helpline for individuals who are concerned about their own abusive behavior in relationships and want to make positive changes. The service provides non-judgmental support, practical advice and tailored guidance to help people stop their harmful actions and build healthier relationships. The helpline is available at 0808 802 4040 (Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm) and can also be accessed via email (info@respectphoneline.org.uk), or via webchat (open Thursdays 2-4pm, accessible).

Legal Advice, Support and Options

National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) – They have a free online resource that enables anyone to apply for an emergency injunction quickly and simply. An injunction can stop a perpetrator from doing something such as contacting you or visiting your home or place of work and much more. Injunctions can be requested even when the perpetrator hasn’t committed a criminal offence.

Rights of Women – A charity providing free and confidential information and advice to women on their rights by law. They have numerous specialist helplines that assist in navigating family law (e.g. obtaining non-molestation orders, your rights during a divorce), criminal law (e.g. reporting domestic abuse, understanding the criminal justice process, navigating restraining orders) and even sexual harassment at work.

Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS) – An organisation that helps women navigate the legal system, providing access to free legal aid and emergency injunctions. They have a dedicated website that features comprehensive information about the legal matters related to domestic abuse presented in clear, plain english. They also operate Flows Answers which is a service ran by lawyers that you can contact to access free criminal law advice. However this service is sometimes closed to ensure that all queries are able to be managed, so please ensure that it is running before using it. You can also access FLOWSs support via telephone (0203 745 7707) or email (flows@rcjadvice.org.uk).

Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice can provide free, practical legal advice to help you with various legalities related to domestic abuse such as explaining your rights around non-molestation or occupation orders and assistance with understanding family law, as well as support if you’re reporting an abuser to the authorities. To access their support you can call them (0800 144 8848), use their webchat service (usually open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or you can visit one of their centres to chat in person (you can find your nearest Citizens Advice centre here). They also have lots of useful pages available on their website, simply search for your queries to find relevant information.

Other Useful Domestic Abuse Resources

The Freedom Programme – This is a brilliant programme that helps victims and survivors to understand the roots of abusive behavior, recognise healthy relationships and to build the confidence to move forward with their life after abuse. There are two seperate programmes for male and female victims and survivors. It is delivered in person for free, and also online for a small fee. You can find providers of the Freedom Programme near you here.

The Salford University Domestic Violence and Abuse Counselling Service – A specialist team of over 20 qualified and trainee counsellors that offer invaluable free counselling to anybody who has survived domestic abuse and needs help to heal. You can refer yourself to their waiting list here.

BrightSky – A free, discreet app that has many useful resources related to domestic abuse such as information, advice and a journal area that enables users to record incidents of abuse over time which can be emailed to you upon your request. To download on app store, click here.

General Support and Mental Health Resources

Victim Support – This charity supports people who are affected by crime and trauma in England and Wales. They have a 24/7 supportline (0808 16 89 111), and live chat which can be used for emotional support, information about your rights, and to find further long-term support options available to you.

Samaritans – Samaritans are a charity that offer support to anybody who is going through a difficult time, and that includes people who are being affected by domestic abuse. They have a 24/7 helpline that provides free, anonymous, non-judgemental support to callers. They are there to offer you a listening ear and will never tell you what to do. You can contact them via telephone (116 123), email (jo@samaritans.org), or even by writing them a letter (addressed to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS).

The Mix – The Mix provide specialised advice, information and counselling to people under 25 years old who are feeling low. If you’re being affected by domestic abuse they will listen to you and provide suggestions for further support. You can use their crisis messenger for immediate support if you are feeling down or you can sign up to their counselling service to receive more long term support.

University-based support – If you’re currently at university and need assistance, they may offer support through helplines, therapy services or wellbeing meetings. To find out how your university can help you, simply use the search tool on this webpage.