Where to get help
If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
If you need to alert the police that you are in danger, call 999 and if prompted press 55. This only works from a mobile. If you are calling from a landline the call handler will assess any background noise and get you help. If you are deaf or cannot take a phone call you can register with the emergencySMS. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.
IDVAs provide emotional and practical advice, guidance and support to help you and your family to become and remain safe. They will seek ways to empower you to make positive safe choices and they will liaise with other professionals on your behalf. The support they provide could include help for you through a court process, help to access safe accommodation and advocate on your behalf.
Alternatively, you could ask for an ‘ANI’ (action needed immediately) in participating pharmacies or job centres. ANI’s alert staff that you need help so they can provide you with a safe and private space. Use this postcode checker to see your local ANI location.
If your situation is not urgent, please call the police on 101.
Various charities and organisations that are both local and national can support you if you are going through domestic violence:
- Aurora new dawn – a registered charity giving safety, support, advocacy, and empowerment to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking. Aurora’s out of hours helpline – 5pm to 8am Monday to Friday and 24hrs over the weekend: 02394 216 816.
- The YOU Trust – provides tailored care, support, therapy and advice in our diverse communities.
- Ending Domestic Abuse – A UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good. They work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse.
- Hampshire domestic abuse service (HDAP) – a group of local services and agencies in Hampshire working together to provide help and support for victims and survivors of abuse, children living with domestic abuse, people who may be abusing or hurting someone and professionals seeking advice. Telephone: 0330 016 5112
- Men’s advice line (Respect) -The Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. Telephone: 0808 801 0327
- Man Kind – Helping men escape domestic abuse. Their confidential helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays). Freephone (this will not show on your bills): 0808 8001170
- National domestic abuse helpline – a freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000247
- Southern domestic abuse service -they help all those affected by domestic abuse by providing innovative and unique services. They work to ensure that victims are supported to recover and perpetrators are supported to change their behaviour. Telephone: 0330 016 5112
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline ran by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for confidential, non-judgemental information and support
- Galop (LGBTQ+) – a helpline that is available for anyone in the UK who is LGBT+ https://galop.org.uk/get-help/and has experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime or so-called ‘conversion therapy’. They are also there for friends, family members, and professionals supporting LGBT+ victims of abuse. 0800 999 5428
- LGBTQ – The Bridgeway– an inclusive 24/7 helpline and support service supporting those however they identify. Telephone:08081186432
- Anyone affected by forced marriage and honour crimes can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 599 247 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm)
- PIPPA Southampton – support is available to help whether you decide you are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have recently left an abusive relationship. Telephone: 023 8091 7917
- Stonewater Refuge South Hampshire– delivering refuge, safe accommodation and community based domestic abuse services. They offer refuges and safe accommodation across the country, comprising of Women and Children’s Refuges, LGBTQ+ Safe Space, a South Asian Women’s Refuge and dispersed accommodation to support those that are unable to access traditional refuges such as male survivors, those with pets and those facing multiple and complex disadvantage. They currently provide services in Brighton and Hove, Swindon, Bedfordshire, Bedford, South Hampshire and Herefordshire.
- Yellow Door – Preventing and responding to domestic and sexual abuse. They offer a wide range of specialist therapeutic, support & prevention services to anyone at risk from or affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence/abuse or other forms of interpersonal harm.
Accessibility
If English is not your first language Women’s Aid offer advice in additional languages.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can access this video for information and advice in British Sign Language