Support space

If you’re experiencing abuse, or supporting someone who is, you’re not alone.

Whether you are looking for support or trying to help someone you care about, this page offers guidance and information to help you take the next steps.

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, there are people who will listen and believe you.

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’, who should be able to identify your location.