What is Domestic Violence
Why Be InvolvedAlways call the police on 999 in an emergency
The Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline is run in partnership by Women's Aid and Refuge. All calls are confidential.
Information and support
Fully trained female workers provide support, information and a listening ear. Via the helpline, abused women and their children access places of safety in the network of refuges across the UK.
The helpline also offers support and information to friends, family members and external agencies calling on behalf of a woman.
The aim is to make a woman aware of her options so she can make informed choices.
A service for everyone
The helpline is a member of Language Line and can provide access to an interpreter for non-English speaking callers. The helpline can also access the BT Type Talk Service.
Who can call the helpline?
The helpline is a lifeline for thousands of women, many of whom have never before spoken about their experiences.
Abused women have many reasons for calling:
- Some have fled their home and desperately need a place of safety;
- Others want to talk about what is happening to them, discuss their fears and seek support;
- Many need information about their housing and legal rights or reassurance about calling the police.
Not only abused women contact us. We also hear from:
- Friends or family members seeking advice.
- Agencies referring women to refuges or seeking advice.
If the lines are busy?
- Always call the police 999 in an emergency.
- Keep trying - quieter periods are evenings, nights and weekends.
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