If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak press 55 to have your call transferred to the police.
If you're experiencing domestic abuse, it's important to tell someone. Remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help. There are lots of organisations that can offer confidential, non-judgemental information and advice on the options available to you, helping you to keep safe and make informed choices.
Safer Places – Safer Places is an independent charity based in Harlow which provides a comprehensive range of services to adults and children affected by all forms of domestic abuse.
03301 025 811 (24-hour helpline)
https://www.saferplaces.co.uk/contact-us/ (online form)
National organisations for women
National domestic violence helpline – Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge the National domestic violence helpline is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)
http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
National organisations for men
Men’s Advice Line – This service offers friendly and practical advice, information and emotional support to male victims of domestic violence, as well as to concerned friends and family and frontline workers.
0808 801 0327 (Monday & Wednesday 9am – 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm)
http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
National organisations of LGBT+ people
Galop – Galop is an LGBT+ anti-violence charity for people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
0800 999 5428
Female genital mutilation
If you are worried that yourself, your sister or someone else you know is at immediate risk of FGM then you should call the Police on 999.
Your Local Social Services Department – are able to protect you or provide support, you can contact them through your local council.
Your Local Police Child Protection Unit – are able to protect you or provide support, you can contact them through your local police station.
NSPCC helpline – is dedicated to FGM, anonymous and open 24/7, you can call them on 0800 028 3550.
Court injunction
You can ask for protection in order to live safely in your home by applying for a court injunction. This can be:
- a non-molestation order - the person being violent or abusive is ordered by the court to stop
- an occupation order - the person being violent or abusive can be ordered to leave the house, not approach the house, allow you in, or be restricted to certain times when they can access the house
Click here for more information.
Find a safe place
A refuge is a safe house for women to escape domestic abuse. Refuges can provide spaces for women on their own, or with children.
You don't need to have experienced physical abuse to stay in a refuge. Click here.
We’re proud to announce that we have signed up to the Make a Stand pledge to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
The Make a Stand pledge has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. It was created to encourage housing organisations to make a commitment to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is one of the biggest issues in society today. The true scale of the problem is difficult to determine because a large proportion of domestic abuse goes unreported, but studies suggest many millions of people are affected every year. Tragically, 2 women are killed every week by their partner or ex-partner.
By signing up to the pledge we have made a commitment to put the following actions in place:
- Create and embed a policy to support residents who are affected by domestic abuse.
- Make information about national and local domestic abuse support services available on our website.
- Create an HR policy or amend an existing policy to support members of staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
- Appoint a champion at a senior level in our organisation to oversee activities we’ll be carrying out to support people experiencing domestic abuse.
Find out more about the Make a Stand pledge.
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NHS video on the signs of domestic abuse