Domestic Abuse
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Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.
Domestic abuse is not acceptable; anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse is not to blame and is not alone.
Getting help and support for domestic violence
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (free phone run by Refuge)
- The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
- Live Free from Fear Helpline – 0808 8010 800 (run by Welsh Women’s Aid)
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
- Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available
- RISE (Cardiff Women’s Aid) - 02920 460566 https://rise-cardiff.cymru/
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
- men can also call ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline If you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
- anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
- in an emergency, call 999
You can also email for support. It is important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address:
- women can email helpline@womensaid.org.uk. Staff will respond to your email within 5 working days
- men can email info@mensadviceline.org.uk
- LGBT+ people can email help@galop.org.uk
You can also contact a local domestic abuse service by using our Domestic Abuse Directory.
The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues, such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.
If you are worried that you are abusive, you can contact the free Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040.
The staff in your practice are trained about domestic abuse and specialist workers are available to support you.
The Practice of Health is an ‘IRIS’ practice. You can talk to doctors, nurses and other staff working here if you are being hurt or controlled by your current or ex-partner, are afraid of someone at home or a member of your family.
Live Fear Free Helpline
Live Fear Free can provide help and advice to:
- anyone experiencing domestic abuse
- anyone who knows someone who needs help. For example, a friend, family member or colleague
- practitioners seeking professional advice.
All conversations with Live Fear Free are confidential and are taken by staff that are highly experienced and fully trained.
Call: 0808 80 10 800
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
About the helpline
Text: 07860077333
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
About the text service
Email: info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
About the email service
Live chat service
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
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If you decide to leave
The first step in escaping an abusive situation is realising that you're not alone and it's not your fault.
Before you go, try to get advice from an organisation such as:
- Women's Aid or Refuge for women
- Men's Advice Line for men
- Galop for LGBT+
If you're considering leaving, be careful who you tell. It's important the person abusing you does not know where you're going.
Women's Aid has useful information about making a safety plan that applies to both women and men, including advice if you decide to leave.