Help and support
Police
In an emergency phone 999 to get immediate
help and report a crime.
Every Police Station has a Police Community Safety Unit (CSU) which provide
support for women who have experienced domestic violence - you can report an
incident of domestic violence to them whether or not you intend to press
charges. Ask for them through your local Police Station. Remember to dial 999
in an emergency.
National Helplines
These helplines will be able to give you confidential advice, support and information and will be able to find a refuge place for you and your children if you need to leave your home because of domestic violence
England
24Hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline - 0808 2000 247
run by Women's Aid and Refuge
Northern Ireland
Women's Aid 24 hour Helpline - 0800 917 1414
run by Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation
Scotland
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0800 027 1234
run by Scottish Women's Aid
Wales
Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 80 10 800
run by Welsh Women's Aid
Republic of Ireland
24 hour Helpline - 1800 341900
Regional Helplines
Manchester WA Helpline - 0161
839 8574
Nottingham WA
Advice Centre - 0808 800 0340
SHE Helpline (East Anglia, Kent, East London)
- 01702 300006
Specialist Helplines
Jewish Women's Aid - 0800 591203
Women with learning difficulties - 0208 522 0675
There are also specialist refuge and/or advice services in some parts of the
country for:
African and African Caribbean women
Asian women
Black women
Chinese women
Irish women
Muslim women
To contact any of these, phone the National or Regional helplines above for
their numbers.
Freecall message home - 0500 700740
This is a confidential, non-traceable service for those who have left home but
want to pass on a message to family and friends without communicating directly.
Women escaping domestic violence can use this service without having to give
details of where they are. This is a free service.
Legal Advice
Rights
of Women (ROW) - 020 7251 6577
ROW has a legal advice line, which specialises in women's issues, particularly
domestic violence. They can give you details of good local solicitors as well
as answering your legal queries.
Housing Advice
Shelter
24 hour free advice line - 0808 800 4444
Shelter give housing advice for anyone with housing problems.
Every local council has a Homeless Person's Union (HPU) within their housing
department. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need to move away
from where you live, you can approach any HPU for assistance. Get the number of
the relevant HPU from the local council or directory enquires.
Children
NSPCC
free 24 hour Child Protection Helpline - 0808 800 500
If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child (either your own or
someone else's) you can talk to the NSPCC - if you want, they can help you make
contact with Social Services or the Police if that is appropriate - you don't
have to give your details if you don't want to.
Childline - 0800 1111
Childline is a phone support service for children
The Hideout: A website created by Women's Aid to help children and young people understand domestic abuse
Children's Legal Centre - 0845 120 2948 - Child Law Advice Line
The Children Legal Service provide information
about legal issues regarding children
Social Services
Social Services can investigate where there are concerns for the welfare of a
child and can provide support for families in crisis. Get your local number
from your town hall, directory enquiries.
Other support
Samaritans
- 08457 90 90 90
If you are lonely, depressed, suicidal or just want to talk to someone, you can
ring the Samaritans, in confidence, at any time of the day or night
British Association of Counselling and
Psychotherapy - 01455 883 316
For information on local counsellors
and psychotherapists
Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900
Victim Support is the independent charity which helps people cope with the
effects of crime. They provide free and confidential support and information to help you deal with your experience.
