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Get support

Abuse can happen to anyone. It's important to know it’s never your fault. And you're not alone. Specialist and confidential support is available, whatever your situation.  

Trying to cope with things alone can be really hard, but talking to someone you trust can be the first step towards feeling safer and more supported. Help is here when you're ready.

You deserve support

You are not alone.

Telling someone about your experience can help you to deal with the abuse and get extra support if you need it. That may include emotional support, practical support, health advice and legal support. You don’t have to go through this on your own.

There’s no pressure on you to do this, and no right or wrong person to tell. You might start with friends or family or someone in your community that you trust.

When you’re ready, and only if you want to, you might choose to talk to a specialist support organisation. You don’t need to report anything, or involve the police, to get help. Whatever type of support you choose, you will be listened to and believed.

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If you’re worried about someone you know

It can be hard to know what to do if you think someone is experiencing abuse. You don’t need perfect words. Just listen, believe and be there.  

First, check they're not in imminent danger.

If you think they might be in an abusive relationship, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline can provide expert advice on what you can do and explain the support available.

If someone has confided in you about sexual violence, Rape Crisis England & Wales has helpful information on what you might want to say and how to offer support.

You’ll also find more specialist organisations listed on this page.  

You can help someone if they choose to get support or want to report their experience of abuse.

Want to report it?

You might also choose to report what happened to you in a more formal way, whether at work, university or school, or by going to the police.

Remember, in an emergency 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’. 

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support 24/7 to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs are located across the country and are here for everyone, regardless of when an incident happened. You can get help from a SARC regardless of whether you report to the police or not. 

Child sexual abuse

If you are concerned about ongoing or recent child sex abuse, you can find information and support on the  National Association for People Abused in Childhood website.

If you suffered abuse when you were a child, it’s never too late to get support. Visit the National Association for People Abused in Childhood website.

Specialist support organisations

Specialist support organisations exist to help those who have experienced abuse, regardless of when it happened. They can listen and guide you with whatever you need and many of them are confidential.

If you’re not sure who to speak to, use this filter to find the right support for you. 

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Showing 38 results below

Women's Aid

The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

Live Fear Free helpline (Wales)

Suzy Lamplugh Trust: National Stalking Helpline

Refuge - National Domestic Abuse helpline and livechat (England)

Karma Nirvana: honour based abuse and forced marriage helpline

IKWRO - Women's Rights Organisation

Forced Marriage Unit

The Financial Support Line for Victims of Domestic Abuse: dedicated specialist support to victim-survivors with their money worries.

Safeline National Male Survivors Helpline and Online support service for men and boys (age 3-years+)

Safeline National Telephone and Online Counselling service for victims of CSA age 16-years+

Jewish Women's Aid

Muslim Women's Network

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse

Parental Education Growth Support

Male Survivors Partnership

Men’s Advice Line - Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men

ManKind Initiative

SurvivorsUK - National Male and Non-binary Survivors Online Helpline

Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline (Northern Ireland)

Safer Scotland

Mankind UK

Surviving Economic Abuse

Testimonial

Girl crossing street
Girl crossing street

I went seven years without telling anyone and then I realised it wasn’t my fault, and I needed to get the right support.

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