DOMESTIC ABUSE
Call 999 if it’s an emergency or you’re in immediate danger. If it is not safe to speak use the Silent Solution system and dial 55 when prompted.
If you can’t use a voice phone, you can register with the police text service - text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
If you're a victim of domestic violence or abuse, there are many different organisations which can help you.
STAYING SAFE DURING COVID-19
We know it might be harder than normal to get away from your home or stay somewhere else but there are still things you can do to get support and stay safe during this difficult and worrying time.
Women’s Aid and SafeLives have produced guidance documents on domestic abuse and coronavirus for victims, family and friends, and community members of those affected.
HELPLINES
NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is a freephone 24-hour helpline. They offer confidential support to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones.
MEN'S ADVICE LINE
The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
NATIONAL CHARITIES
(in alphabetical order)
Hestia provides a free mobile app, Bright Sky, which provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
The Hourglass confidential helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person.
Live Fear Free is a Welsh Government website, providing information and advice for those suffering from domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of violence.
Karma Nirvana runs a national helpline for victims of honour-based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse. If you are unable to call or email, you can send a message securely through their website.
The NSPCC operates a national female genital mutilation (FGM) helpline, which offers guidance and support if you are worried about a child who is at risk of FGM or about somebody who has already undergone FGM.
Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW) is the national umbrella body for our network of autonomous member Rape Crisis Centres across England and Wales. The Centres provide frontline specialist, independent and confidential services for women and girls of all ages who have experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives.
Refuge operates a helpline and also provides 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.
SCOTLAND'S DOMESTIC ABUSE AND FORCED MARRIAGE HELPLINE
Operated by specially trained workers and volunteers and managed by Scottish Women’s Aid, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is open 24-hours. They offer confidential support to victims and those who are worried about friends and loved ones.
Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse.
SEXUAL ASSAULT REFERRAL CENTRES
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCS) provide advice and support services to victims and survivors of sexual assault or abuse.
If you aren't safe in your home because of violence, abuse or threatening behaviour, Shelter provides free confidential information, support and legal advice.
SignHealth provides domestic abuse service support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL).
Victim Support runs a free and confidential 24/7 support telephone service for victims of crimes including domestic abuse. They also have free 24/7 live chat support on their website available across England and Wales.
Women’s Aid has a live chat service as well as an online survivor’s forum. On their website, you can find information on local domestic abuse service through their online directory.
The Survivor’s Handbook, created by Women’s Aid, provides information on housing, money, helping your children and your legal rights.
WOMEN'S AID FEDERATION (NORTHERN IRELAND)
Women’s Aid NI provides a wide range of services to women and children affected by domestic violence. They offer a safe place to stay in refuges and provide outreach support for those remaining at home.
Woman’s Trust is a specialist mental health charity, providing free counselling and therapy for women who have experienced domestic abuse.
LOCAL CHARITIES
(in alphabetical order)
Advance provides a 24-hour advocacy service in West London to women experiencing domestic violence. It gives advice and practical support regarding legal, housing, benefits, health and safety planning.
Arch 76 is a Christian charity providing emotional and spiritual support to women in East London, who have faced or are facing considerable challenges such as domestic violence, addictions, physical and mental health issues and isolation. Activities include arts and crafts sessions, optional bible studies, worship and prayer and other sessional activities such as dance and discussion groups.
THE LONDON VICTIMS AND WITNESS SERVICE
The London Victims and Witness Service (LVWS) is a support service for London residents who are affected by or witness a crime. It is commissioned by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The support provided includes counselling and help with navigating the criminal justice process.
The Maya Centre is a small charity providing a free counselling service in Islington for women who have experienced mental health issues which may stem from trauma including domestic violence, physical abuse or sexual abuse in childhood and war and conflict as well as harmful practices.
Formerly known as Hackney Women’s Aid, The Nia Project is a London based organisation working with women and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic abuse. Nia is the largest provider of refuge accommodation in Hackney. In addition, it provides outreach, an advice centre, a family support service and resettlement work.
Solace offers free advice and support to women and children across London to build safe and strong lives free from violence and abuse. Solace operates a helpline, provides safe refuge and accommodation, and supports survivors with therapeutic services.
Stay Safe East provides advocacy and support services to disabled victims and survivors of abuse across London.
GET HELP IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE AN ABUSER
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be an abuser, there is support available.
RESPECT PHONELINE
Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them. The service is for anyone who’s concerned about their use of violence and abuse towards their partner, and for those supporting them: concerned friends or family members, Frontline Workers assisting abusers, are all welcome to call for information and support.