National support services

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Run by Refuge)

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour service available to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. It is staffed by highly trained female advisers who offer non-judgmental support, information, and guidance to help individuals understand their options and make informed decisions.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24-hour helpline)

Live chat: Available online during set hours

British Sign Language (BSL): Support via video call with a qualified interpreter

Support includes:

Safety planning
Finding refuge accommodation
Signposting to specialist services

National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV)

NCDV specialises in helping victims of domestic abuse obtain injunctions from court to protect them from further abuse. Meeting with solicitors and proceeding through the court system can be a daunting prospect for anybody. The NCDV aims to make the whole experience fast, friendly and worthwhile. Their free service is available to everybody regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Emergency telephone: 08009 70 20 70

Text: Send NCDV to 60777

Non-emergency telephone: 08709 22 07 04

Samaritans

Samaritans provides free, confidential emotional support 24/7 to anyone struggling with distress, mental health challenges, or the impact of domestic abuse, through phone, email, letter, and pilot web chat services.

Phone: 116 123 (24-hour helpline)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Face-to-face: Find your local branch

National Suicide Prevention Helpline (SPUK)

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline offers confidential emotional support for anyone in crisis, including domestic abuse victims who may feel isolated or hopeless. Trained volunteers provide non-judgmental listening, help reduce distress, and can signpost callers to specialist domestic abuse and mental health services. The helpline is free, available daily from 6 pm to midnight, and accessible through language and hearing support options, making it a vital resource for those at risk of harm.

Phone: 0800 587 0800

Email: info@spuk.org.uk

Opening hours: 6pm – midnight daily

Hourglass Services

Hourglass provides confidential support and information to older people who are at risk of, experiencing, or recovering from abuse or neglect, as well as to anyone concerned about an older person. Their services include a 24/7 helpline, text and email support, live chat with professionals, and a community response programme focused on safer ageing.

Phone: 0808 808 8141 (24-hour helpline)

Text: 07860 052906

Email: helpline@wearehourglass.org

Southall Black Sisters

Southall Black Sisters offers free, confidential advice, advocacy, and support services to Black and minoritised women experiencing domestic and gender-based violence, including help with immigration, legal issues, forced marriage, and access to safe accommodation through their No Recourse Fund.

Phone: 0208 571 0800

Email: info@southallblacksisters.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm

Men's Advice Line

Men’s Advice Line offers confidential, non-judgmental support, practical advice, and information to men experiencing domestic abuse, including those who identify as trans or non-binary. The service is available via phone and webchat, and also provides signposting to legal, housing, and mental health support.

Phone: 0808 8010 327

Webchat: Monday to Friday, 9am - 10am

Opening hours:

Monday and Wednesday: 9am - 8pm
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9am - 5pm

ManKind Initiative

The ManKind Initiative is a UK charity that offers confidential support to male victims of domestic abuse, including a free helpline that provides emotional support, practical advice, and guidance to local services.

Freephone: 0808 800 1170 (won't appear on bills)

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am - 4pm

SignHealth

SignHealth offers a specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support service tailored for Deaf people, providing safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy through British Sign Language (BSL).

Text: 078600 33214

Email: info@signhealth.org.uk

Deaf abuse advice helpline: Live chat and BSL calls

GALOP

Galop provides specialist support for LGBT+ people who have experienced domestic abuse, offering advocacy, emotional support, safety planning, and help navigating the criminal justice system in a confidential and inclusive environment.

Phone: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana offers confidential support to victims of Honour Based Abuse and forced marriage through a national helpline, emotional and practical guidance, access to safe accommodation, and specialist training for professionals.

Phone: 0800 5999 247

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

Parental Education Growth Support (PEGS)

PEGS is a UK-based social enterprise offering free, online support to parents, carers, and guardians experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), through peer groups, drop-ins, one-to-one sessions

Email: hello@pegsupport.com

Online referral: PEGS referral - click here

Forced Marriage Unit

The UK government provides support through the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), offering confidential advice, emergency assistance, and help with protection orders to prevent or escape forced marriage, including stopping visas and finding safe accommodation.

Phone: 020 7008 0151

Out of hours: 020 7008 5000

Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust)

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust offers support through the National Stalking Helpline, providing practical advice, safety planning, and advocacy for individuals affected by stalking.

Phone: 0808 802 0300

Opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 8pm