Urgent Help for Victims of Abuse
Your safety is paramount. If you are experiencing physical, emotional, sexual, psychological or coercive control, please seek support from organisations with expertise to help keep you safe.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t 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 can’t speak.
The following organisations are recommended. We are based in the UK and are most familiar with UK resources. However, we have international visitors to our website so if you have suggestions of similar resources in other countries, please do contact us here. We will be grateful for your suggestions.
The following are all clickable links:
- Refuge, England (including the national domestic abuse helpline)
- Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, Northern Ireland
- Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline, Scotland
- Live Fear Free, Wales
- Men's Advice Line (Nationwide support for male victims of domestic abuse)
- Bright Sky App Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.
- Ask for Ani (see image). Asking for 'Ani' (Assistance Needed Immediately) is a discreet way to ask for help. Look for the signs in a participating pharmacy. If you 'Ask for Ani', a member of staff will take you to a private room and help you call the police, domestic abuse helpline, family, friend or a solicitor (according to your needs/wishes).
- UK Says No More 'Safe Spaces' in Boots, Morrisons pharmacies, Superdrug pharmacies, Well pharmacies, independent pharmacies, HSBC and TSB banks across the UK. You can use a safe space in whichever way works for you. They provide a safe and discrete way to reach out to friends and family, and contact specialist support services. Safe Spaces are open and ready for you to use.
- In the UK you can ask the police for information as to whether your partner, or someone close to you, has a history of domestic abuse and may post a threat to you under 'Clare's Law'
- How to get a non-molestation order
- How to support a friend who is being abused
- Advice for employers on supporting victims of abuse in the workplace
- Respect - organisation helping perpetrators of domestic abuse
