Home Office
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you cant speak and are calling on a mobile press 55 to have your call transferred to the police. Find out how to call the police when you cant speak.
For free, confidential advice, 24 hours a day contact a domestic abuse helpline.
Household isolation instructions do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.
Translated guidance
If English is not your first language, information has been translated into several languages as well as an easy read version.
Womens Aid also have guidance documents on domestic abuse and coronavirus available in a number of languages for victims, family and friends, and community members of those affected.
If you are deaf, you can access a British Sign Language video that explains how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
Recognise domestic abuse
Does your partner, ex-partner or someone you live with:
- cut you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you?
- bully, threaten, or control you?
- take control of your finances?
- monitor or limit your use of technology?
- physically and/or sexually abuse you?
Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:
- coercive control and gaslighting
- economic abuse
- online abuse
- threats and intimidation
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.
If you believe that you are a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:
- being withdrawn, or being isolated from your family and friends
- having bruises, burns or bite marks on you
- having your finances controlled, or not being given enough to buy food, medication or pay bills
- not being allowed to leave your house, or stopped from going to college or work
- having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails or letters
- being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
- being pressured into sex or sexual contact
- being told that abuse is your fault, or that youre overreacting
Get help and support
All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation.
If youre experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, its important to remember that its not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and #YouAreNot Alone.
Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.
| Nation | Helpline | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| England | Refuges National Domestic Abuse Helpline | 0808 2000 247 Online live chat Web form |
| Northern Ireland | Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline | 0808 802 1414 Online live chat help@dsahelpline.org |
| Scotland | Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline | 0800 027 1234 Online live chat helpline@sdafmh.org.uk |
| Wales | Live Fear Free | 0808 80 10 800 Online live chat Text info@livefearfreehelpline.wales |
| UK-wide | The Mens Advice Line run by Respect is a confidential helpline specifically for male victims. | 0808 801 0327 info@mensadviceline.org.uk |
Bright Sky app
Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.
The app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. Only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isnt being monitored.
Womens Aid local support services directory
Womens Aid have a directory of domestic abuse support services across the UK.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about friends or family, you can access the Womens Aid live chat service 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm.
Victim Support
Victim Support run these services for victims and survivors of any abuse or crime, regardless of when it occurred or if the crime was reported to the police:
- free, independent and confidential 24/7 Supportline 08 08 16 89 111
- live chat service
- My Support Space - free online resource
Safe Spaces
Safes Spaces are safe, confidential rooms where victims can take some time to reflect, access information on specialist support services or call friends or family.
Safe Spaces are also available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK.
Find your nearest Safe Space.
Check whether someone has an abusive past
If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clares Law). This is your right to ask. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information. A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone you know.
You can make a request to the police for information about a persons previous violent offending in person at the police station or elsewhere, by telephone, by email, online or as part of a police investigation. Support agencies and services can also help you ask the police about this.
Get a court order to protect you or your child
If youre a victim of domestic abuse you can apply for a court order or injunction to protect yourself or your child from:
- your current or previous partner
- a family member
- someone you currently or previously lived with
This is called a non-molestation or occupation order.
You can apply online, by email or by post.