Abuse: what it is, the UK data, and where to get help

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives a single statutory definition of domestic abuse that includes physical, sexual, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological, emotional or other abuse between people aged 16+ who are "personally connected".

Children who see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse are recognised in law as victims in their own right, not just witnesses.

Women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence and so-called "honour-based" abuse. The services below are women-only or women-led and free to use.

• National Domestic Abuse HelplineRefuge
  0808 2000 247
  24/7, free

  Run by Refuge — confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, and friends/family seeking advice.

• Women's Aid Live Chat & Survivors' ForumWomen's Aid
  Live chat daily 10am–6pm

  Online support, a survivors' forum and a directory of local refuges and services across England.

• Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 Support LineRape Crisis
  0808 500 2222
  24/7, free

  For anyone aged 16+ affected by rape, sexual assault or any form of sexual abuse, at any time in their life.

• Karma Nirvana — Honour-based abuse helplineKarma Nirvana
  0800 5999 247
  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

  Support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

• Forced Marriage UnitFCDO / Home Office
  020 7008 0151
  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm (24/7 for emergencies)

  UK government unit giving confidential advice on forced marriage in the UK and overseas.

• Southall Black SistersSBS
  020 8571 0800
  Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

  Specialist advice for Black, Asian and minoritised women experiencing abuse.

Male victims often face additional barriers to disclosure — fear of not being believed, concerns about custody of children, or stigma. The services below are run specifically for men, including gay, bisexual and trans men.

• Men's Advice LineRespect
  0808 8010 327
  Mon–Fri 10am–8pm

  Confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner.

• ManKind InitiativeManKind
  01823 334 244
  Mon–Fri 10am–4pm

  Support for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK.

• Survivors UKSurvivors UK
  Text 020 3322 1860 / web chat
  24/7 web chat

  Support for boys, men and non-binary people who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)CALM
  0800 58 58 58
  5pm–midnight, daily

  Helpline and webchat for men struggling — including after abuse, assault or coercive control.

• Respect Phoneline (for perpetrators)Respect
  0808 8024 040
  Mon–Fri 10am–8pm

  Confidential help for anyone worried about their own abusive behaviour towards a partner.

Any adult worried about a child can call the NSPCC. Any child or young person can contact Childline directly, free, 24 hours a day — the number does not appear on phone bills.

• ChildlineNSPCC
  0800 1111
  24/7, free, confidential

  Free helpline and online chat for anyone under 19 in the UK. Calls don't show on phone bills.

• NSPCC Helpline (for adults worried about a child)NSPCC
  0808 800 5000
  Mon–Fri 8am–10pm, weekends 9am–6pm

  For adults worried about a child's safety. Also: help@nspcc.org.uk.

• CEOP — report online sexual abuseNational Crime Agency
  24/7 online

  Report online sexual abuse or grooming of a child to the police's specialist team.

• The MixThe Mix
  0808 808 4994
  Daily 4pm–11pm

  Free, confidential support for anyone under 25 — including abuse, mental health and housing.

• NAPAC — adults abused in childhoodNAPAC
  0808 801 0331
  Mon–Thu 10am–9pm, Fri 10am–6pm

  Specialist support line for adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse.

• Stop It Now! UK & IrelandLucy Faithfull Foundation
  0808 1000 900
  Mon–Thu 9am–9pm, Fri 9am–7pm

  Confidential helpline for anyone worried about child sexual abuse — including their own thoughts or behaviour.

• Galop — LGBT+ domestic abuse helplineGalop
  0800 999 5428
  Mon–Fri 10am–8:30pm (varied)

  Specialist support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime or sexual violence.

• Hourglass — abuse of older peopleHourglass
  0808 808 8141
  24/7

  The only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people.

• Modern Slavery & Exploitation HelplineUnseen
  08000 121 700
  24/7

  Report concerns about modern slavery, trafficking or exploitation; support for victims.

• Victim SupportVictim Support
  08 08 16 89 111
  24/7

  Free, confidential support for anyone affected by crime — whether or not it's been reported.

• SARCs — Sexual Assault Referral CentresNHS
  Varies — many 24/7

  Specialist NHS services offering medical care, forensic examination and emotional support after rape or sexual assault, whether or not you report to the police.

You can report abuse to the police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency). Reporting is your choice — you can also access medical care, counselling and a forensic examination at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) without involving the police.

Survivors have rights under the Victims' Code, including the right to information, support, and to make a Victim Personal Statement. The Crown Prosecution Service's domestic abuse guidance sets out how cases are charged and prosecuted.

If you are worried that you might be hurting, controlling or frightening a partner or child — or that you have abusive thoughts towards children — confidential help is available. Respect Phoneline (0808 8024 040) works with people who want to change their behaviour towards a partner. Stop It Now! (0808 1000 900) works with anyone worried about child sexual abuse. Both are anonymous.

If you need confidential safe accommodation because of domestic abuse, see our guide to Women’s Refuges and Safe Accommodation.