If you are experiencing gender-based violence, there are also a number of national organisations that provide sources of support.
If you need emergency support, you can call 999 (free). Alternatively, you can call 101 for non-emergency incidents (15p per call).
Family Lives
Supports all families who are experiencing challenges in their family relationships, including concerns about violence and abuse. The helpline offers a free and confidential support service, and the website offers information, an online forum and links to other support services.
National helpline number: 0808 800 2222
Website: www.familylives.org.uk
Galop
Supports LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime. Offers a free national helpline and information and training for professionals via the website. Includes a trans advocacy service to support those experiencing all forms of transphobia.
National helpline number: 0800 999 5428
Website: www.galop.org.uk
Honour Network Helpline
Offers a free national helpline for survivors of so-called ‘honour’-based violence, including domestic abuse and forced marriage. Website also offers information and training for professionals, such as police and teachers.
National helpline number: 0800 5999 247
Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Hourglass
Offers a free and confidential helpline for anyone experiencing or witnessing abusive behaviour towards older people. They also offer an elder abuse recovery service in some local areas.
National helpline number: 0808 808 8141
Website: www.wearehourglass.org.uk
Mankind
Offers a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, as well as their concerned friends, family, colleagues and employers. Website provides information and signposting.
National helpline number: 01823 334244
Website: www.mankind.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line
Supports men who are experiencing abuse from family members. They offer a confidential helpline and the website offers information and an weekly online webchat.
National helpline number: 0808 801 0327
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Offers a free, 24-hour national helpline for anyone experiencing, or at risk from, domestic abuse. Information and support also available on their website.
National helpline number: 0808 2000 247
Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
National Stalking Helpline
Offers a free and confidential helpline that includes advice on how to report stalking to the police and any legal process that may be involved. Website includes information on stalking.
National helpline number: 0808 802 0300
Website: www.suzylamplugh.org
Rape Crisis
Provides a free helpline and live chat for survivors of rape and sexual violence, as well as friends, family and professionals. Also links to local rape crisis centres across England and Wales, and website provides information and signposting.
National helpline number: 0808 802 9999
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Refuge
Provides emergency accommodation and support for those fleeing domestic abuse, including specific support for minoritized communities. Also runs a national helpline for those experiencing domestic abuse, and a website which includes information for men and legal support.
National helpline number: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Rights of Women
Offers free and confidential legal advice for women who are experiencing specific forms of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and workplace harassment.
National helpline number: Different advice lines are available depending on the nature of the query, including criminal law, family law, immigration and asylum law and sexual harassment at work. See website for details.
Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
SignHealth: Domestic Abuse Services
Offers specialist support for deaf people who are experiencing domestic abuse. Offers a Whatsapp and text helpline for survivors and also offers information, signposting and training for professionals.
National helpline number: Text or WhatsApp 07970 350366; Telephone 020 3947 2601; Email: da@signhealth.org.uk
Website: www.signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-service
Women’s Aid
Supports women who are experiencing abuse from family members. They offer a free and confidential helpline and the website offers information and links to other local support services.
National helpline number: 0808 2000 247
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk