Domestic Abuse Support
This page brings together trusted UK support links for people affected by domestic abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, economic abuse, stalking, harassment, forced marriage, feeling unsafe at home, or worrying about someone else.
Some services are UK-wide, while others are nation-specific or specialist services for women, men, LGBT+ people, family members, friends, colleagues or professionals. Always check directly with the organisation, local council, police, GOV.UK or local domestic abuse service to confirm what support is available where you live.
The Recovery Space provides education, self-help tools and neutral signposting only. It does not provide domestic abuse advice, legal advice, safeguarding support, risk assessment, crisis support, emergency accommodation, advocacy, counselling or one-to-one support.
Important safety note
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If it is not safe to use your own phone or device, consider using a safer device, a trusted person, a public service, or official safety guidance where possible. Be aware that browsing history, messages, call logs and location settings may be monitored by an abusive person.
National Starting Points
National Domestic Abuse Helpline / Refuge
Free, confidential support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, including help thinking through options, safety, refuge routes and next steps. Refuge runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Who it may help
Women experiencing domestic abuse, people worried about someone else, and professionals looking for domestic abuse information and signposting.
Location / Coverage
England, with national online information. Visitors in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should also check their nation-specific services.
Best starting point
A strong starting point for women experiencing domestic abuse who need confidential support and information about options.
Women’s Aid
Information and support around domestic abuse, safety planning, understanding abuse, survivor resources, local services and support for women and children.
Who it may help
Women experiencing or recovering from domestic abuse, people trying to understand domestic abuse, and anyone looking for safety planning information or local support routes.
Location / Coverage
England-focused national charity and federation, with information that may also be useful more widely. Local service availability varies.
Best starting point
Useful for understanding domestic abuse, making a safety plan and finding survivor-focused information.
Specialist Support
Men’s Advice Line
Confidential advice, emotional support, practical information and signposting for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them.
Who it may help
Men experiencing domestic abuse, including trans and non-binary people who feel this is the right service for them, as well as friends, family and professionals supporting male victims.
Location / Coverage
UK-wide information and support service.
Galop
Support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, including domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence, conversion practices and other forms of abuse.
Who it may help
LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence, including people affected by domestic abuse or coercive control.
Location / Coverage
UK-wide LGBT+ anti-abuse charity.
Nation-Specific Helplines
Safety Note
The Recovery Space provides education, self-help tools and signposting only. We do not provide domestic abuse advice, legal advice, safeguarding support, risk assessment, crisis support, emergency accommodation, advocacy, counselling or one-to-one support.
Domestic abuse and coercive control can involve physical, emotional, sexual, financial, psychological or digital abuse. Support needs can change quickly, so please check directly with each organisation for the most up-to-date information, contact options and service availability.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If it is not safe to use your own phone or device, consider using a safer device, a trusted person, a public service, or official safety guidance where possible.
Be aware that browsing history, messages, call logs, location settings and shared devices may be monitored by an abusive person. Use official website safety and quick-exit guidance where available.