On average, 240 women call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline every single day.
Domestic abuse affects more than 1 in 20 people.
There’s more than one kind of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can be any incident or series of incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour; violence or abuse. It can happen between people who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical
The abuse can include, but isn’t limited to:
- Psychological and emotional
- Physical, sexual, financial or economic
- Stalking and harassment
- Online or digital
- Elder abuse, adolescent to parent
- Honour based violence
- Female genital mutilation or Forced Marriage
Controlling or coercive behaviour
Controlling behaviour is designed to make a person subordinate or dependent on an abuser by isolating them from sources of support, like friends and family. This type of behaviour can also exploit a person’s resources and capacities for personal gain, such as access to benefits or , depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Anyone can experience domestic abuse.
There are different kinds of abuse, but it’s always about having power and control over someone.
We offer free, confidential support to anyone that believes they may be experiencing a form of abuse.
If you want to talk to us, call us on 0303 123 1890 from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday if you feel safe to do so. You can also speak to us on Live Chat using the green ‘Chat to us’ button on the right hand side of the screen.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is open 24/7 for advice and support. Call them on 0808 2000 247.
You can also report abuse to us online.
Remember: if you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 999.
Frequently asked questions about domestic abuse
Who does domestic abuse affect?
Anyone can be affected by Domestic Abuse.
Customers in all types of relationships and from all backgrounds including:
- Mixed and same-sex relationships
- Older people
- Adolescent and parents
- People with disabilities
- People with different beliefs and form different cultural backgrounds
How can we help if you're experiencing domestic abuse?
Our specialist team will give you confidential advice and work with you, alongside other appropriate agencies, to minimise the risk to you and provide the right support to keep you and your family safe.
We will work to ensure your home is safe for you and your family and put you in touch with specialist agencies that can help you take any legal action that is needed.
We will continue to work with you to keep you safe.
We will use an independent translation service when needed.
How do you report domestic abuse?
You can call us on 0303 123 1890 or you can complete this form and we will contact you via email.
Please make sure you are in a safe place when calling us, and that only you can access emails we send to you.
If you feel you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 999.
What other support is available?
There are a number of other services available, providing advice and support to people experiencing different types of domestic abuse.
Take a look at what services are available across the UK.
Take a look at what services are available in the North of England.
Take a look at what services are available in the South of England.
You can read our resident domestic abuse policy here.