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  • Do you change your behaviour because you’re frightened of your partner’s reaction?
  • Is your partner jealous and possessive?
  • Do you feel like you're walking on egg shells?
  • Do you feel controlled, or isolated?
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Refuge can support you

What is domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms. Learn to spot the signs.

Your rights and options

Find out more about what support is available for you and your children.

Supporting a survivor

If you’re worried about someone you care about, learn more about how you can support them.

How we can support you

Find out more about how Refuge can help you.

Keeping safe

I am still living with my abuser

Living with my abuser

I am planning to leave my abuser

Leaving an abuser

I have already left my abuser

Left my abuser

Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline

You can call us, for free and in confidence, 24-hours a day.

0808 2000 247

Write using our live chat

We understand it can be difficult to pick up the phone. You can now chat to us online, live:

Monday – Friday, 3pm – 10pm.

Chat to us live

British Sign Language

Use our BSL interpreter service which is available:

Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm.

BSL helpline

What is it like to
contact the Helpline?

If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999

  • We are a team of highly-trained, female advisers. We won’t judge you or tell you what to do; we are here to listen.

  • We will empower you to understand your options and support you to make any decisions about the future.

  • We can support you to increase your safety. We can help you find a refuge place, or other specialist services.

  • We can talk in confidence, in many different languages, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, for as long as you need.

Women's stories

  • women stories

    “When I called the Helpline, I was in absolute despair. I was lost and terrified, but the Helpline adviser made me feel so empowered. She gave me the strength to leave my husband and go to the police the following day. That phone call saved my life. Without Refuge, I wouldn’t be here today.”

  • Womens stories

    “When I spoke to friends, they didn’t really understand what I was trying to say. But the moment I spoke to the Helpline, they understood what I was talking about. They helped me realise this was a thing that happens to people. It made me feel sane. The Helpline adviser made me believe it is possible to change things.”

  • women stories

    “After I left my abusive partner, I used to beat myself up with guilt. Getting specialist support made me realise I am not alone. I started going to a support group. One woman started talking about what had happened to her kids. She was still standing strong – ‘that’s what I can do’, I thought. She was an inspiration.”

Thank you.

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