This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Domestic violence is where one person harms another person with whom they have (or have had) some sort of relationship. They do not need to be heterosexual partners and they do not need to live in the same property. Both women and men can experience domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be where one person physically attacks the other or it may be another form of abuse such as emotional, sexual or financial abuse.
Domestic violence can include elder abuse. This is where harm is done, or distress caused, to an older person within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust. It can happen at home or within a care setting or hospital.
If you need help to recognise whether you are being abused, there are many organisations that can give you confidential advice.
If you are the victim of a violent relationship, get immediate practical advice on the options available, which may be to:
If you are a victim of a violent relationship you may need somewhere safe to stay, either alone or with your children. The options are:
Women’s Aid Refuges are safe houses run by and for women suffering domestic violence. Refuges provide somewhere safe for women and their children to stay and allow some time and space for the woman to think about what to do next.
Staff at refuges are specialised in dealing with domestic violence, and so can give a lot of emotional and practical support, for example, advice on benefit claims, which solicitors to use and, if necessary, how to contact the police.
To find out your nearest refuge with spaces available, you should contact the National Domestic Violence helpline, (see under heading Futher help). Helpline staff will do their best to find you somewhere safe to stay that night even if the local refuge is full. They are also happy to talk to women about any questions they have about refuges.
Your local authority may have a duty to provide you with housing if you are homeless. You will normally be considered to be legally homeless if it is not reasonable for you to occupy your home because of the risk or fear of domestic violence.
Local authorities, or housing executive in Northern Ireland, should deal sympathetically with applications from people who are in fear of violence. You can ask for a private interview, with someone of the same sex, and can take a friend with you for support.
The local authority (housing executive in Northern Ireland) may have a duty to provide interim accommodation for you while it decides whether you are legally homeless.
The rules may be different if you came from abroad to join someone as a wife, husband, cohabitee or civil partner and then can no longer stay in the relationship because of violence. There is a useful website that covers the housing rights of women from abroad fleeing domestic violence. It applies in England. Go to 
www.housing-rights.info.
For more information about homelessness and the local authority, see Finding accommodation.
If you decide to go into privately rented accommodation you will be unlikely to be able to arrange it quickly. This is really only an option for people who have time to plan their departure and can afford this accommodation.
Once you have found a safe place to stay short-term, you will need to think about what to do in the longer term. You will need to consider:-
If you need further information and advice, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, a solicitor, law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by e-mail, click on nearest CAB.
If you want to discuss legal protection for yourself and your children, consult a solicitor who is experienced in matrimonial work. Local Women’s Aid groups, the police, rape crisis groups, or women’s centres usually know of local solicitors who are both experienced and sympathetic.
A local advice agency such, as a law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau, should be able to help you find a local solicitor who is experienced in this area of the law. In England and Wales, you can also look on the Community Legal Advice website at: www.communityleagaladvice.org.uk. In Scotland, go to the website of the Law Society of Scotland at: www.lawscot.org.uk, and in Northern Ireland, go to the website of the Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission at: www.nilsc.org.uk.
You should make an appointment as soon as you feel ready, and could take someone with you for support the first time you go to the solicitor. The initial interview will probably last quite a long time, during which the solicitor should discuss with you what courses of legal action are open to you.
If you take legal action to protect yourself or your family from domestic violence, you may qualify for legal aid without having to meet the normal financial conditions. The income of an abusive partner will not be taken into account when deciding whether you qualify for legal aid.
There are several specialist organisations which can help violent people who want to stop being violent. Some are self help groups run by others who have had experience of violent behaviour, others may be run by trained counsellors. It may also be possible for you to get help through your GP.
Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk (you will receive a response within 3 working days)
Website: www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is a freephone 24 hour helpline which provides advice and support to women in England and can refer them to emergency accommodation.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline is run in partnership between Refuge and Women's Aid.
There are translation facilities if your first language is not English. The Helpline also offers BT Type talk for callers with hearing difficulties. The Helpline worker contacts the Type talk operator so that the caller can communicate through them.
4th Floor
International House
1 St Katherine's Way
London, E1W 1UN
Tel: Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Tel: Admin: 020 7395 7700
E-mail: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
This national helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. Refuge provides safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK. It also provides culturally-specific services for women from different minority ethnic communities and cultures. Its website has links to specialist organisations, including specialist organisations for refugees. It includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.
PO Box 391
Bristol BS99 7WS
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Helpline email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Tel (admin): 0117 944 4411
Fax: 0117 924 1703
E-mail:info@womensaid.org.uk
Website: www.womensaid.org.uk
The website provides a wide range of resources to help women and young people. This includes The Survivor's Handbook which provides a range of information including legal and housing advice, tips on how to create a safety plan and advice for people with specialist housing needs. It is available in 11 languages and in audio.
They also produce a website at www.thehideout.org.uk which offers support to children and teenagers who may be living in a home affected by domestic violence, or who may be in a violent relationship themselves.
52 – 54 Featherstone Street
London
EC1Y 8RT
Legal advice line: 020 7251 6577
Legal advice textphone: 0207 490 2562
The legal advice line is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Friday 12 noon-2pm.
Sexual violence advice line: 0207 251 8887
Sexual violence textphone: 0207 490 2562
The sexual violence line is open Monday 11am-1pm and Tuesday 10am-2pm.
Administration: 020 7251 6575/6
Fax: 020 7490 5377
E-mail: info@row.org.uk
Website: www.righstofwomen.org.uk
Rights of Women is a voluntary organisation that runs a legal advice telephone line, offering confidential legal advice on domestic violence. They also run a sexual violence legal advice line. Rights of Women produce free information sheets which can be downloaded from their website at www.rightsofwomen.org.uk.
Telephone: 0844 8044 999
Freephone: 08009 70 20 70
Minicom: 18001 08009 70 20 70
Fax: 0207 160 9383
Text: NCDV to 60777, they will call you back
Website: www.ncdv.org.uk
Advisers from NCDV are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) offers a free service to help you get a court order to protect yourself if you're experiencing domestic violence. If you are eligible for legal aid, you will be helped by a qualified solicitor or referred to one near where you live. If you can't get legal aid, you will have to pay your own costs but you can be helped with paperwork. Depending on where you live, they may be able to support you at court.
4th Floor
International House
1 St Katherine's Way
London, E1W 1UN
Tel: Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Tel: Admin: 020 7395 7700
E-mail: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
This national helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. Refuge provides safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK. It also provides culturally-specific services for women from different minority ethnic communities and cultures. Its website has links to specialist organisations, including specialist organisations for refugees. It includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.
Cardiff National Office
38-48 Crwys Road
Cardiff
CF24 4NN
Freephone domestic abuse helpline: 0808 801 0800 (open 24 hours)
Tel: 02920 390 874
Fax: 02920 390 878
E-mail: info@welshwomensaid.org.uk
Website: www.welshwomensaid.org
52 – 54 Featherstone Street
London
EC1Y 8RT
Legal advice line: 020 7251 6577
Legal advice textphone: 0207 490 2562
The legal advice line is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Friday 12 noon-2pm.
Sexual violence advice line: 0207 251 8887
Sexual violence textphone: 0207 490 2562
The sexual violence line is open Monday 11am-1pm and Tuesday 10am-2pm.
Administration: 020 7251 6575/6
Fax: 020 7490 5377
E-mail: info@row.org.uk
Website: www.righstofwomen.org.uk
Rights of Women is a voluntary organisation that runs a legal advice telephone line, offering confidential legal advice on domestic violence. They also run a sexual violence legal advice line. Rights of Women produce free information sheets which can be downloaded from their website.
Telephone: 0844 8044 999
Freephone: 08009 70 20 70
Minicom: 18001 08009 70 20 70
Fax: 0207 160 9383
Text: NCDV to 60777
Website: www.ncdv.org.uk
Advisers from NCDV are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) offers a free service to help you get a court order to protect yourself if you're experiencing domestic violence. If you are eligible for legal aid, you will be helped by a qualified solicitor or referred to one near where you live. If you can't get legal aid, you will have to pay your own costs but you can be helped with paperwork. Depending on where you live, they may be able to support you at court.
4th Floor
International House
1 St Katherine's Way
London, E1W 1UN
Tel: Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Tel: Admin: 020 7395 7700
E-mail: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
This national helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. Refuge provides safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK. It also provides culturally-specific services for women from different minority ethnic communities and cultures. Its website has links to specialist organisations, including specialist organisations for refugees. It includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.
129 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HP
24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 917 1414
Tel (admin): 028 9024 9041
Website: www.niwaf.org
General email: info@womensaidni.org
Telephone: 0844 8044 999
Freephone: 08009 70 20 70
Minicom: 18001 08009 70 20 70
Fax: 0207 160 9383
Text: NCDV to 60777
Website: www.ncdv.org.uk
Advisers from NCDV are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) offers a free service to help you get a court order to protect yourself if you're experiencing domestic violence. If you are eligible for legal aid, you will be helped by a qualified solicitor or referred to one near where you live. If you can't get legal aid, you will have to pay your own costs but you can be helped with paperwork. Depending on where you live, they may be able to support you at court.
4th Floor
International House
1 St Katherine's Way
London, E1W 1UN
Tel: Helpline: 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
Tel: Admin: 020 7395 7700
E-mail: info@refuge.org.uk
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
This national helpline offers advice and support to women experiencing domestic violence. Refuge provides safe, emergency accommodation through a network of refuges throughout the UK. It also provides culturally-specific services for women from different minority ethnic communities and cultures. Its website has links to specialist organisations, including specialist organisations for refugees. It includes some information for men who are either being abused or who are abusers.
2nd Floor
132 Rose Street
Edinburgh
EH2 3JD
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Tel (admin): 0131 226 6606
Fax: 0131 226 2996
Email: contact@scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Website: www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk
Tel: 0800 027 1234
Website: www.domesticabuse.co.uk
This 24 hour domestic abuse helpline can provide housing, legal and benefits advice for all parts of Scotland. It also provides an opportunity to discuss your problems in confidence.
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
The helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk.
If you are in immediate danger, dial 999 and speak to the police.
The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men, in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. They provide emotional support and practical advice, and can give you details of specialist services that can give you advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.
Flook House
Belvedere Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 1BT
Helpline: 01823 334 244
The helpline is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm and 7pm – 9pm (except Friday evenings)
Email: admin@mankind.org.uk
Website: www.mankind.org.uk
The ManKind Initiative is a charity offering information and support to men who are victims of domestic abuse or violence. This can include information and support on reporting incidents, police procedures, housing, benefits and injunctions. They can refer you to a refuge, local authority or other support service where this is appropriate for you.
Callers from Scotland may need to seek legal advice in Scotland.
Ground Floor
34 Gt James Street
London
WC1N 3HB
Helpline: 0845 122 1201
The helpline is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 7pm –10pm)
Admin: 0207 404 6234
E-mail: info@survivorsuk.org
Website: www.survivorsuk.org
This is a national helpline for men who have been victims of violence, sexual assault or rape. The helpline may be able to arrange counselling or a support group if you live in the London area. If you live outside London, Survivors UK may be able to provide details of an appropriate service outside the London area.
1A Waterlow Road
London
N19 5NJ
Helpline: 0207 263 8884
The helpline is open Monday 10am-2pm, Tuesday 10am-3pm, Wednesday 10am-5pm and Thursday 10am-5pm.
E-mail: everymanproject@btopenworld.com
Website: www.everymanproject.co.uk.
The Everyman Project offers counselling to men in the London area who want to change their violent or abusive behaviour. It also has a national helpline which offers advice to anyone worried about their own, or someone else's, violent or abusive behaviour.
14 Thorpe Road
Norwich NR1 1RY
Tel: 0808 808 4321
The helpline is open on Thursday evenings 8pm – 10pm)
E-mail: support@seva-uk.org
Website: www.male-rape.org.uk
A national helpline for men who have who have been raped, assaulted or abused in childhood or adult life. The helpline also supports partners (male and female) and family members of abused men.
Unit 2, St Giles Business Park
Pool Road
Newtown
Powys
SY16 3AJ
Helpline: 01686 629 114 (24 hours, every day of the year)
Email via the website at: www.familycrisis.co.uk.
The Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre provides a confidential 24-hour helpline every day of the year for people who have experienced, or are experiencing, domestic violence. The centre helps men and women and takes calls from all over the UK. They also provide other services, for example safe accommodation for both men and women.
There are a number of police domestic violence units, which have staff specially trained to help people experiencing domestic violence. They work closely with other organisations such as local solicitors and Women’s Aid groups. Your local police station, in the phone book under Police, will be able to tell you if they have a domestic violence unit, or where the nearest one is.
PO Box 60001
Streatham
SW16 9BY
Helpline: 0808 808 8141
Tel: 020 8765 7000
Fax: 020 8679 4074
E-mail: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
Website: www.elderabuse.org.uk
Action on Elder Abuse gives confidential advice and information to older people who are suffering from violence or abuse. A relative or friend of the person being abused can also contact the helpline on behalf of the older person. The helpline can be used in the case of older people who live at home, in a care home or who are in hospital.
Cambrian Buildings
Mount Stuart Square
Butetown
Cardiff
CF10 5FL
Tel: 08442 640 670 (standard rate) or 02920 445 030 (local number)
Fax: 08442 640 680
E-mail: ask@olderpeoplewales.com
Website: www.olderpeoplewales.com
The role of the Older People's Commissioner for Wales is to make sure that the interests of older people in Wales are safeguarded. The Commissioner can specifically look at the way that a local authority or health body deals with elder abuse and can take individual cases if the case raises issues that have a wider impact on older people.
Helpline: 0300 999 5428 or 08452 60 33 60.
The helpline is open at these times:
Monday 2-8pm
Wednesday 10am-1pm
Thursday 2-8pm.
If there is a situation of immediate danger, call 999.
Broken Rainbow provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
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