Domestic abuse support

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or worried about your safety or your children's, free and confidential helplines can talk through your options, help you plan to stay safe and find emergency accommodation. Several are open 24 hours a day.

26 organisations listed. Listings are for information, not endorsements. Details can change, so check with each organisation.

Domestic abuse support organisations

CharityFree

Refuge

The largest specialist domestic abuse charity in the UK.

Phone · Online · In person · England

CharityFree

Women's Aid

Support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse.

Online · England

CharityFree

Galop

Support for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse.

Phone · Online · UK

CharityFree

Scottish Women's Aid

Support for women and children through local Women's Aid groups across Scotland.

Phone · Online · In person · Scotland

Public serviceFree

Live Fear Free

Wales's free 24-hour domestic abuse helpline, in Welsh or English: 0808 80 10 800.

Phone · Online · Wales

CharityFree

Respect Phoneline

Confidential help for people who are worried about their own abusive behaviour: 0808 802 4040.

Phone · Online · UK

CharityFree

Welsh Women's Aid

The national charity in Wales working to end violence against women, with a finder for local services.

Phone · Online · In person · Wales

CharityFree

Karma Nirvana

National helpline for honour-based abuse and forced marriage: 0800 5999 247.

Phone · Online · UK

CharityFree

Hourglass

24-hour helpline for older people experiencing abuse: 0808 808 8141.

Phone · Online · UK

CharityFree

Victim Support

Free support for victims of crime, including domestic abuse, 24 hours a day: 08 08 16 89 111.

Phone · Online · England and Wales

CharityFree

Bawso

Support in Wales for Black, minority ethnic and migrant victims of abuse: 24-hour helpline 0800 731 8147.

Phone · In person · Wales

CharityFree

Jewish Women's Aid

Support for Jewish women and girls affected by domestic abuse: 0808 801 0500.

Phone · Online · In person · UK

Filter domestic abuse support by where you live, cost and how to get help

When should you contact a helpline?

You don't need to be sure it is abuse to call. Domestic abuse includes controlling and coercive behaviour, financial control and threats, as well as violence. Separating can be a time of increased risk, so if you can do it safely, speak to a specialist before you tell your partner you are leaving.

Does domestic abuse support cost anything?

Every service here is free. Legal aid may be available for family cases if you have been in an abusive relationship (GOV.UK). In England and Wales there is no court fee to apply for a non-molestation order, which can stop someone from harassing or threatening you (GOV.UK).

Which service should you contact?

Choose the helpline for where you live, and the service that fits you: there are specialist services for women, for men and for LGBT+ people. If someone might check your phone or browser, use the quick exit button on this page and call from a phone they can't access.

Guides that may help

Other kinds of help

This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Facts checked 20 October 2026.

Need urgent help? If you're in immediate danger, call 999. Free domestic abuse helplines, open 24 hours: in England 0808 2000 247 (Refuge, for women), in Wales 0808 80 10 800, in Scotland 0800 027 1234 and in Northern Ireland 0808 802 1414. Men can call the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327, weekdays. Samaritans: 116 123.