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Domestic abuse: get help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you cannot speak and are calling from a mobile, press 55. Free, confidential helplines are open 24 hours a day in every nation.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: domestic abuse, how to get help www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help | Whole UK |
| Welsh Government: Live Fear Free www.gov.wales/live-fear-free | Wales |
| mygov.scot: domestic abuse support www.mygov.scot/domestic-abuse | Scotland |
| nidirect: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/domestic-and-sexual-abuse-helpline | Northern Ireland |
Step by step
- In an emergency call 999. If you cannot talk, stay on the line and press 55 on a mobile so your call is put through to the police.
- For advice and support, contact the domestic abuse helpline for your nation: England, Wales (Live Fear Free), Scotland or Northern Ireland. The Men's Advice Line supports male victims.
- Abuse is not only physical: control of money, isolation, threats, monitoring your phone and coercive control are abuse too.
- Ask about legal aid: if you have been abused you may get help with family and court issues, with more flexible financial limits.
What you need
- Nothing is needed to call 999 or a helpline
- If it is safe, keep a record of incidents and any messages, photos or medical notes
Common mistakes
- Thinking it does not count because there is no physical violence.
- Leaving traces on a shared device. Official pages explain how to hide the page and delete your browsing history.
- Making a joint divorce application with the abuser. Apply on your own; the Child Maintenance Service can also be used without the other parent knowing where you live.