Domestic abuse support in England & Wales

If you're experiencing domestic abuse in England or Wales, the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is here for you on 0808 2000 247. It's confidential and open any time, day or night. If calling isn't safe, Women's Aid also offers a direct online chat with a female support worker.

Men experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327. And if you're worried that someone may be monitoring your phone or accounts, Refuge and Women's Aid both have step-by-step guides to help you seek help more safely. You don't have to face this alone; reach out to any of the services below.

Reading about court orders can feel like a lot, so take what you need from this and come back to the rest. In England and Wales the family court can make orders that protect you and your children, applying costs nothing, and you can do it without the other person knowing in advance.

• A non-molestation order protects you or your child from being harmed or threatened; an occupation order decides who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area. There is no fee when you apply (gov.uk).
• You can apply if the person is a partner or former partner, a family member, or someone you live with or have lived with (gov.uk).
• You can apply yourself, online, by email, by post or in person. If you need protection immediately you can ask for an emergency order without telling the other person, known as a without notice application, and it usually lasts until your hearing. You can also ask the court to keep your address confidential (gov.uk).
• The person named in the injunction can be arrested if they break it (gov.uk).
• Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a criminal offence under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (gov.uk).

Checked August 2026 against gov.uk. This is signposting, not legal advice.

You do not have to be in crisis to reach out, and you do not have to decide anything straight away.

• Confidential support, whether you want to leave, stay, or are simply unsure.
• Safety planning for you and your children.
• Help understanding protective court orders and your housing options.
• Someone to talk it through with, free and without judgement.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. It is free and works from any phone.