
Domestic abuse
Nobody should have to live in fear in their own home. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing any form of abuse or violence, please get in touch with your housing officer or talk to one of the organisations listed on this page.
We understand that this may not be easy to do, but we are here to support you.
We can also refer you to the dedicated agencies listed below who can help.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police.
ESCAPE/HIDE WEBSITE
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is the misuse of physical, emotional, sexual, or financial control by one person over another who is, or has been, in a relationship within the home or family. Abuse may be threatened or it may happen.
Here are some examples:
- Emotional abuse can include calling someone names, criticising them constantly or threatening them
- Financial abuse can mean restricting someone’s access to money or making them account for every penny they spend
- Abuse can also take the form of physical violence
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police.
Domestic abuse help and support
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. The agencies opposite can provide you with information and support.
This is not an exhaustive list of services, as there are many organisations and charities offering help and support for victims. If you offer services and would like to be added to this list, please contact communications@brighterplaces.co.uk.
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Police 999 silent solution system
The silent solution system is for those in an emergency who require police help but cannot speak. After dialling 999 from a mobile phone, you will be prompted to press 55 to access the silent solution system. The operator will then ask a series of yes and no questions that can be responded to using the keypad. Silent solution is not available on landlines.
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National organisations for women
National Domestic Violence helpline
Telephone: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk (you will receive a response within 3 working days)
Website: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.ukRefuge
Telephone: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Email: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.ukWomen’s Aid
Telephone: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Website: www.womensaid.org.ukRights of Women
Family law advice line: 020 7251 6577 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7pm-9pm; Friday 12 noon-2pm)
Criminal law advice line: 020 7251 8887 (Tuesday 11am-1pm)
Immigration and asylum law advice line: 020 7490 7689 (Monday 12 noon-3pm; Thursday 10am-1pm)
E-mail: info@row.org.uk
Website: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk -
Local organisations for women
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National organisations for men
Men’s Advice Line
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.ukManKind Initiative
Telephone: 01823 334 244
Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm (except Friday evenings)
Email: admin@mankind.org.uk
Website: www.mankind.org.ukSurvivors UK Ltd
Telephone: 0845 122 1201
Open Monday and Tuesday, 7pm to 9.30pm, Thursday 12 noon to 2.30pmE-mail: info@survivorsuk.org
Website: www.survivorsuk.orgM-Power
Tel: 0808 808 4321
Open on Thursday evenings, 8pm to 10pm
E-mail: support@seva-uk.org
Website: www.male-rape.org.uk -
National organisations for men and women
Police domestic violence units
There are several police domestic violence units, which have staff specially trained to help people experiencing domestic violence. They work closely with other organisations such as local solicitors and Women’s Aid groups. Your local police station will be able to tell you if they have a domestic violence unit, or where the nearest one is.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Telephone: 0800 970 2070
Website: www.ncdv.org.ukRape Crisis
National Freephone Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (from 12 noon to 2.30pm and from 7.00pm to 9.30pm every day)
Website: www.rapecrisis.org.ukHonour Network Helpline
Helpline: 0800 599 9247 (Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm)
Website: www.karmanirvana.org.ukAction on Elder Abuse
Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (Freephone Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm)
E-mail: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
Website: www.elderabuse.org.ukNational Stalking Helpline
Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Open Monday – Friday, 9.30am to 4pm
Email: advice@stalkinghelpline.org
Website: www.stalkinghelpline.orgRespect Phoneline
Telephone: 0808 802 4040 (free from landlines and most mobiles) Monday to Friday 10am to 1 pm and 2pm to 5pm)
E-mail: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk -
National organisations for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Galop LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
Helpline: 0300 999 5428 or freephone 0800 999 5428
Open Monday and Thursday 10am to 8pm, Wednesday and Tuesday 10 am to 8pm
Tuesday 1pm-5pm is a trans specific service -
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
If you’re worried that you or someone you know may be at risk of FGM, you should talk to someone you trust like a teacher or school nurse. They will be able to help and protect you.
Remember that no one is allowed to hurt you physically or emotionally, and FGM is not allowed in this country.
If you would rather speak to someone who doesn’t know you and your family, there are organisations that can help you, including:
- The NSPCC, which has an FGM helpline you can call on 0800 028 3550 at any time – it’s free and you don’t have to tell them your name (you can also email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk)
- FORWARD, which can give you information and one-to-one support – you can call them on 020 8960 4000 (Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm) or email atsupport@forwarduk.org.uk
If you think you’re in immediate danger, call 999 and tell the police.
If you’re worried about someone you know
Call the NSPCC’s FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk if you’re worried a girl or young woman is at risk of (or has had) FGM.