Domestic abuse support in Northern Ireland

If you're experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland, the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is here for you on 0808 802 1414. It's free and confidential, open to anyone affected, any time of day or night, by phone, email or web chat.

Women's Aid Federation NI can connect you to local groups, refuge and ongoing support, and keeps a directory of further specialist services. You don't have to face this alone; reach out to any of the services below.

You may be reading this with very little time or headspace, and that is all right. In Northern Ireland the law treats a pattern of abusive behaviour as a crime in itself, and the courts can make civil orders that protect you and your children. The essentials are below, from official sources.

• You can apply to the courts for a non-molestation order or an occupation order to protect you and your children from being harassed, pestered, intimidated, or threatened with violence or abuse (nidirect.gov.uk).
• Domestic abuse is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland where there has been a pattern of abusive behaviour on two or more occasions, and this includes controlling or coercive behaviour and emotional abuse, not only physical harm (nidirect.gov.uk).
• A sentence for the domestic abuse offence can be increased where a child is involved, including where a child saw, heard or was present during the abuse (nidirect.gov.uk).
• Legal aid can help with the cost of applying; depending on your income, savings and any property, you may be entitled to have all your legal costs paid (nidirect.gov.uk).

Checked August 2026 against nidirect.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.