Domestic abuse can affect anyone. It’s not just romantic partners who can be abusers; family members and others in intimate relationships can also cause harm. This behaviour makes it difficult for the person being abused to take control of their life or leave the relationship.
Women are more likely to face domestic abuse than men, and the impact can often be more severe. But abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their gender, and it can force people to stay in dangerous relationships to avoid homelessness.
Domestic abuse is one of the main reasons for homelessness. Many of the Londoners we support have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their lives and fled domestic abuse without anywhere to go.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there is support out there. We have compiled some resources below to help you.
Recognising domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can be controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour.
If your friend or family member is unsure if they are experiencing domestic abuse, you could share types of abuse with them to help them come to terms with what they are experiencing. Only do this if it is safe.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Coercive control
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
If you are unsure whether you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can visit Women’s Aid or the NHS, where you will find information on spotting the signs.
Getting support for yourself
Free, confidential support and advice are available 24 hours a day. It is not your fault if you are being abused, and there is no shame in seeking help.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247 (free phone run by Refuge)
- The Men’s Advice Line for male domestic abuse survivors — 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
- National LGBTQIA+ Domestic Abuse Helpine — 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
- The Mix has free information and support for under 25s in the UK — 0808 808 4994
- Women’s Aid has a helpline and a list of domestic abuse support services
- Live Free from Fear Helpline — 0808 8010 800 (run by Welsh Women’s Aid; this helps support people in English and Welsh)
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
- Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or who is worried about someone else
- Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available
- Safe Spaces are available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug, Well, TSB banks, and independent pharmacies across the UK. Find your nearest safe space here: nearest Safe Space.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
If you are worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.
Support for someone you know
If you think someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it is normal to feel worried and unsure how you can help.
As much as you want to help, try to keep in mind that someone being abused might not be ready to accept that their partner or relative is abusive yet.
Below is a list of resources specifically for supporting someone you know experiencing domestic abuse. When supporting someone experiencing abuse, never put yourself in danger.
- Refuge (Support some I know who is being abused)
- Women’s Aid (I’m worried about someone else)
- NHS (Helping a friend if they are being abused)
You can learn more about the Single Homeless Project’s work with women and how we are developing our services to support people who have experienced domestic abuse.
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