🛑 What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is when someone close to you, like a partner, family member, or someone you live with, hurts, frightens, or controls you.

It can be:

• Physical: Hitting or pushing.

• Emotional: Name-calling or making you feel bad about yourself.

• Coercive Control: Isolating you from friends or family, or watching your activities.

• Economic: Controlling your money or stopping you from working.

• Sexual: Touching you without your consent or forcing you into sex.

• Digital: Using technology to stalk or harass you.

Remember, abuse is never your fault.

💡 Not Ready to Talk to the Police? That's completely okay! You can first speak to a domestic abuse service for help without any pressure.

🧡 What You Can Do:

• Call a helpline like Women’s Aid or Refuge.

• Get support with emotional issues, practical help, or safety planning.

• Ask questions about your rights.

• You choose if or when to contact the police.

💥 Types of Abuse (Quick Reference)

1. Physical Abuse:

2. Hitting, pushing, or choking

2. Emotional Abuse:

• Insults, guilt trips, or isolation

3. Sexual Abuse:

• Forced sex or unwanted touching

4. Coercive Control:

• Threats, bullying, or constant monitoring

5. Economic Abuse:

• Controlling your money or stopping you from working

6. Digital/Tech Abuse:

• Stalking online or through social media

7. Honour-based Abuse:

• Forced marriage or threats for family honour

📞 How to Report (When You're Ready) If you decide to report:

• Call 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-urgent help.

• You can report online or visit a police station.

• The police will listen and gather evidence.

• You can have someone with you for support.

🏡 Safety Options Available You can choose to:

• Stay in your home with protection orders.

• Stay with friends or family.

• Get a place in a refuge (a safe house).

• Ask your local council for emergency housing.

💼 Support for Leaving or Staying Safe Local domestic abuse services can help you:

• Find a lawyer.

• Apply for benefits.

• Plan your next steps safely.

🧳 What to Take If You Leave (If It’s Safe)

• Your ID and your children’s IDs.

• Money and bank cards.

• Phone and charger.

• Important documents (like medical or housing papers).

• Evidence of abuse (like texts or photos).

🛡️ Getting Legal Protection You can apply for:

• Non-molestation Order: Stops someone from contacting or threatening you.

• Occupation Order: Makes the abuser leave your home.

• DAPNs/DAPOs: Immediate protection after a domestic abuse incident.

👩🏽‍💼 Getting Help from an IDVA An IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Adviser) can support you through the process. You can get an IDVA by:

• Asking a doctor or social worker for a referral.

• Calling a domestic abuse service or helpline.

⚖️ If You Go to Court (If You Choose To) In court, you can request:

• Special measures for your comfort, like giving evidence from a different room.

• Support from trained workers who can help you understand the process.

🧡 Support Services You Can Contact

• Women’s Aid Live Chat: All women. chat.womensaid.org.uk

• Refuge 24/7 Helpline: All survivors. Call 0808 2000 247 or visit nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

• Galop: For LGBT+ individuals. Visit galop.org.uk.

  💜 Refuge

  24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 🌐 refuge.org.uk 📧 supportercare@refuge.org.uk 📞 General Enquiries: 020 7395 7700 Specialist services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, legal advocacy, and tech abuse support. Website includes a quick exit button for safety.

  🏠 Hestia

  📞 Main Line: 020 7378 3100 📧 info@hestia.org 🌐 hestia.org 📧 Referrals: hestia.referrals@hestia.org Provides refuge spaces, IDVA support, and community-based services across London and the South East. Also runs the Bright Sky app for discreet safety planning.

  🌸 Women’s Aid

  📞 24/7 Helpline (via Refuge): 0808 2000 247 🌐 womensaid.org.uk 📧 info@womensaid.org.uk 📧 helpline@womensaid.org.uk Offers a Live Chat, Survivors’ Forum, and the Survivor’s Handbook. Their Directory helps you find local services.

  ⚖️ Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ)

  📞 Office: 020 7092 1807 📧 info@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk 🌐 centreforwomensjustice.org.uk A legal charity holding the state accountable for failures to protect women and girls. Their Support Directory lists services for survivors, including those from marginalised communities.

  🌼 Women and Girls Network (WGN)

  📞 Advice Line: 0808 801 0660 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm; Wed late: 6–9pm) 📧 advice@wgn.org.uk 🌐 wgn.org.uk 📞 West London Rape Crisis Centre: 0208 567 7347 📞 Young Women’s Services: 0203 985 6994 Free, trauma-informed support for women and girls (14+) in London affected by gender-based violence. Includes counselling, advocacy, and group healing spaces.

  🧭 Rape Crisis England & Wales

  📞 24/7 Helpline: 0808 802 9999 🌐 rapecrisis.org.uk 📧 info@rapecrisis.org.uk Offers emotional support, advocacy, and referrals to local centres. Also provides a Live Chat and resources for survivors and supporters.

  🛡️ Victim Support

  📞 24/7 Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 🌐 victimsupport.org.uk 📧 supportline@victimsupport.org.uk Provides emotional and practical support for anyone affected by crime. Includes My Support Space, an interactive self-help platform.

  🧑‍⚖️ The Witness Service (Citizens Advice)

  🌐 citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/witness-service Supports victims and witnesses going to court. Offers pre-trial visits, emotional support, and someone to accompany you in court.

  💬 Sexual Abuse Support Campaign (Gov.uk)

  🌐 sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk A government-backed hub with survivor stories, FAQs, and links to local services. Includes guidance for friends and family.

  💰 Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

  🌐 gov.uk/criminal-injuries-compensation You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve suffered harm from a violent crime. Applications can be made online, with support available from Victim Support.

🌟 Final Note You deserve to be safe and supported. You are not alone, and it’s brave to seek help. You have the right to live without fear.