Other reporting options

Other ways to report abuse

Not everyone feels comfortable calling the police straight away, and that’s ok. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, there are other ways to talk about it and get support, depending on what’s happened and where it took place. These options can help support you, record what’s going on and decide what to do next.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If it’s unsafe to speak, you can then press 55 and you will be transferred to a police call handler trained to deal with ‘silent calls’. 

  • If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, there are services that can help you stay safe, understand your options and support you in reporting if and when you’re ready.

    These include:

    • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 24/7 confidential support and advice. Call 0808 2000 247 free or use the live chat on the Refuge website.
    • Local domestic abuse services: Many areas have specialist support workers who can help you work out your options and guide you through reporting. You can search online for services in your area, or use the Women’s Aid’s directory to find safe, confidential support near you.
    • Health services: GPs, A&E and other health staff can help record injuries and make sure you get the right support.
    • Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs): Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.

    These services won’t pressure you into reporting to the police – they’ll help you explore what might be right for you.

    For more advice on reporting domestic abuse, you can read the UK Government’s guidance, which brings together information on getting free, confidential support and advice. 

  • If someone is repeatedly following, contacting or monitoring you, there are specialist organisations that can help you understand what’s happening and how to report it safely.

    • National Stalking Helpline: Advice on recognising stalking, keeping records and reporting. Call free on 0808 802 0300 (Mon & Wed: 09:30–20:00; Tue, Thu & Fri: 09:30–16:00) or use their online advice form.
    • Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service: Advocacy and support for people experiencing stalking. You can self-refer through their website or call on 0203 866 4107.

    These organisations can help you keep a log of incidents, which can be really useful if you choose to report later on.

  • If you’ve experienced harmful behaviour online, there are ways to report it without going through the police first.

    • Report Harmful Content: Help with online harassment, impersonation, threats or abusive messages.
    • Revenge Porn Helpline: Specialist support with intimate image abuse. Call free on 0345 6000 459 for help with things like removing intimate images, securing accounts and understanding your options.
    • Report directly to the platform: Most social media sites have their own reporting tools for abusive messages, posts or accounts.

    These services can help you remove harmful content, keep records safely and decide whether you want to take things further. 

  • If something has happened in the street, on public transport, at a venue or in another public space, there are usually people around who can help:

    • Transport staff: If you’re on public transport, you can tell the driver, guard or station staff. If you’re on a train, you can also contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016, through their Railway Guardian app or report it online.  
    • Venue staff: In places like bars, clubs or events, you can report it to staff on duty, including bar staff, security or a manager.
    • Bystanders: If you feel comfortable, you can ask someone nearby for help or support.
    • Local authorities: Some councils have community safety teams you can report incidents to.

    You can still make an online report or call 101 afterwards, even if the incident is over. 

  • If you’ve experienced sexual violence, there are ways to get help and report it, whether or not you want to involve the police.

    Specialist support services:

    • Rape Crisis England & Wales: Free, confidential support and advice. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit their website for local centres.
    • Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs): Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.
    • NHS services: You can go to your GP or local hospital for medical care and advice. They can also refer you to specialist services that can help you access medical care and choose what next steps feel right for you.