People on a bus.
People on a bus.

We can all do something to challenge abuse.

Let’s all be part of the change. Help STOP violence against women and girls.

This website talks about abuse towards women and girls but there’s support for all victims. 

Would you recognise abuse?

Abuse isn’t always physical – it takes many forms. It can be unwanted staring or suggestive comments, harassing a girl to send nude pics or controlling what a woman wears or who she sees.

Knowing what abuse is helps us all recognise it when it happens, which gives us the chance to help stop it.

What is abuse?
Casually dressed man, mid-to-late twenties.
Test
Just think STOP: say something, tell someone, offer support, provide a diversion.
Just think STOP: say something, tell someone, offer support, provide a diversion.

Could you help stop abuse?

Many of us have witnessed abuse happening, but it can be difficult to know how to help stop it.  

You might worry about stepping in, thinking ‘what if I’ve misread the situation?’, ‘what if I make it worse?’, ‘am I putting myself at risk?’.  

Intervening doesn’t have to be confrontational – there are ways to step in safely.

Find out more about safe ways you can step in.

Step in safely

Test your knowledge

Do you know:

  • How many women and girls have experienced abuse?
  • Are most sexual assaults committed by strangers or people known to the victim?  
  • What’s meant by coercive control?

The more we understand the problem, the better our chances of stopping abuse against women and girls.

Take the test
Three young adults.
Test
Two women talking over a cup of coffee.
Two women talking over a cup of coffee.

Getting support if you experience abuse

You don’t have to deal with this alone, and it’s never your fault. Find out what support is available to help you.

Get support
Man talking on the phone.
Man talking on the phone.

Reporting violence and abuse

If you've experienced or witnessed abuse, you might want to report it. Find out more about who you can report it to. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Reporting abuse

Testimonial

Girl crossing city street.
Girl crossing city street.

I’ve been groped, catcalled, flashed at, verbally and physically abused and stalked, all before I was 20. The men involved will have done the same to many other women.*

The abuse of women and girls has consequences for everyone. Find out more about the impact abuse has on women, men, families, communities and society as a whole. 

Impact of abuse

*Testimonials are anonymous to protect identities, but all are based on real experiences

Need content in another format?

If you are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, please see our British Sign Language (BSL) page for information on this campaign and how to access support if you've experienced abuse.

If you have learning difficulties, you can download an Easy Read pdf.