Domestic Abuse

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is when someone hurts or controls another person in a close relationship. It is not just hitting. It can also be:

Controlling what you do or who you talk to
Making you feel confused or scared (called “gaslighting”)
Controlling your money
Hurting you online
Making threats
Saying mean things to upset you
Forcing you to do sexual things

Signs to Look For

Someone might be abused if:

They stay away from family or friends
They have bruises, burns, or bite marks
They don’t have money for food or bills
They are not allowed to go out, work, or study
Someone checks their phone or messages
They are often told they are useless
They are forced to have sex
They are blamed for the abuse

See more signs to look for.

Help a Friend

If you think a friend is being hurt:

Tell them you care and want to help
Listen if they talk to you
You can find more advice on how to help a friend

If someone confides in you, there is more information on how to support a friend who is being abused.

Get Help

If you or someone you know is in danger:

Call 999 in an emergency
You can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline any time:
0808 2000 247 (free and private)

If you can’t speak on the phone:

Call 999 and tap or cough to answer
From a landline, the call may stay open for 45 seconds
If you are deaf or can’t speak, text REGISTER to 999 to sign up for emergency help

Where to Get Support

There are groups that can help. You can:

Look at the list of support organisations
Visit Women’s Aid for more help and additional information

Report it

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse find out how to report domestic abuse.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing or tapping on the handset.

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Domestic Abuse