Need help now?
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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999
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If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted
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National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
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Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
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Childline – 0800 1111
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Samaritans – 116 123
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Accent Housing – 0345 678 0555
There is always help available
Abuse is never your fault. We understand that asking for help can feel difficult, frightening or overwhelming. You do not have to face this alone. Whatever your situation, we will listen without judgement and support you to access the help that is right for you.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any behaviour used by one person to control, hurt, frighten or manipulate another person. It can happen between partners, former partners or family members and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, disability or background.
Domestic abuse can include:
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Physical abuse
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Emotional or psychological abuse
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Coercive or controlling behaviour
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Financial abuse
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Online abuse
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Stalking
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Listen and take your concerns seriously
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Work with you to develop a safety plan that reflects your individual needs and circumstances
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With your agreement, work alongside the police and specialist agencies where appropriate to help keep you safe
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Consider additional security measures for your home
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Work with you to explore the safest housing option, whether that's improving the safety of your current home or supporting a move where this is the best option
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Make safeguarding referrals where someone is at risk
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Treat information you share with us sensitivity and confidentiality. If we believe someone is at immediate risk of harm, we may need to share information with relevant services to help keep people safe.
If you’re in an unsafe situation
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Call us on 0345 678 0555 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
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We will never inform the perpetrator
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We will respond sensitively and quickly
Domestic abuse can affect the whole family. We will always consider the safety and wellbeing of any children involved and work with appropriate agencies where needed.
You do not need proof to raise a concern. If something doesn’t feel right, contact us. We can support concerns about domestic abuse, vulnerable adults, children, exploitation, neglect or someone who appears unable to keep themselves safe.
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Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
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Never confront an abuser
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If safe, listen and support without judgement
If you're concerned that someone may be monitoring your online activity, consider using a safe device, browsing in private mode, clearing your browser history and accessing support from a location where you feel safe. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need to leave your home
We can:
- Help secure your home
- Help you find safe accommodation or refuge
- Support rehousing
Every situation is different. We will work with you to explore the safest option for you and your family. This may include improving the safety and security of your current home, supporting access to refuge accommodation, or helping you move where this is the safest and most appropriate option.
Our promise to you
- We will listen without judgement
- We will take concerns seriously
- We will treat you with dignity and respect
- We’ll explain your options and keep you informed throughout around our actions such as repairs and any additional home safety features
- We will work with you and our partners to help keep you safe
Who else can I contact for support or information?
Many of these organisations will have useful information about the different types of domestic abuse, and provide support and advice on what to do next.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 0808 2000 247
- nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women’s Aid offers free and confidential advice 24 hours a day. They also provide an instant messaging service and forum for those who feel safer talking online.
- 0808 2000 247
- womensaid.org.uk
- Instant messaging service
- Online forum
Respect works with perpetrators, male victims and young people who use violence
- 0808 802 4040
- respect.uk.net
Men’s Advice Line offers a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse
- 0808 801 0327
- mensadviceline.org.uk
ManKind Initiative help men escape domestic abuse
- 01823 334 244
- mankind.org.uk
Galop is an LGBT anti-abuse charity with a helpline
- 0800 999 5428
- galop.org.uk
Karma Nirvana supports victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
- 0800 5999 9247
- karmanirvana.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters provides advice and support primarily for Asian, African and African-Caribbean women
- 0208 571 0800
- southallblacksisters.org.uk
The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
- 08457 909 090
- samaritans.org
Mind offers ways to help in a mental health crisis.
- 0300 123 3393
- Read more on the Mind website
NHS offers information and support for your mental health.
- Call 111 and select the mental health option
- Get help from 111 online
- Read more about the support available at on the NHS website
Safeguarding
Information on how to report concerns and protect people from harm. Find out what safeguarding means, when to take action, and how we support safe communities.