Signposting
Why Are You Here?
You have been referred to NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Violence) for a civil protection order, which is a kind of court injunction to protect you from further abuse. You might have been referred by a police officer or someone else who is trying to support you, or you might have referred yourself.
NCDV will work with you to help you obtain this protection through the courts, but we don’t offer ongoing or emotional support. Without adding worry at an already stressful time, it’s important to understand that domestic abuse presents certain risks. When you begin taking back control of the situation abusers can act unpredictably, even violently, in an attempt to punish you or regain control. The most dangerous time is after the relationship ends.
If you feel unsafe, or if you think the abuser is likely to continue threatening, harassing or abusing you despite a protection order, or if you no longer wish to obtain a protection order, or if your case does not meet the requirements, we urge you to seek other forms of help. There are services out there who can help you consider and manage the risks so you can move on with your life safely.
In addition, recovering from the emotional impacts of domestic abuse can be tough, and many of us need some help and support with this. This is a normal response to trauma. It doesn’t make you weak or unable to cope. Support services can give you the tools to manage your own recovery so you can move forward and make a safe and happy future.
Although these are national services, they will often signpost you to services in your local area when necessary.
There are more services that might be helpful to you on our Partnerships page:
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RSPCA
Provides advice, education and reporting routes for cruelty and neglect cases, with links to local branches.
Refuge4Pets
Supports people in Devon and Cornwall escaping domestic abuse by providing specialist fostering for any pet type — dogs, cats, or small animals. The service removes a key barrier to safety and recovery for survivors.
Dogs Trust Freedom Project
Provides a free fostering service for dogs belonging to people fleeing domestic abuse. Dogs are temporarily placed with volunteer foster carers until their owners are rehoused and ready to be reunited.
Cats Protection Lifeline
Offers free, confidential cat fostering for survivors of domestic abuse, enabling people to reach safety while their cats are cared for by trusted volunteers. Operates across multiple UK regions.
The Endeavour Project
Provides confidential pet fostering for people escaping domestic abuse across the North West of England. Endeavour ensures animals are cared for in safe, loving homes until their owners can be reunited.
Police
Historical incidents can also be reported. Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service on 18001 101
National Domestic Violence 24hr Freephone Helpline
Women’s Aid
Guidance on domestic abuse and a Survivor’s Handbook to download in various languages
Men’s Advice Line
Support and advice for male victims of domestic abuse.
Mankind Initiative
Support for male victims of domestic abuse.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (managed by Galop)
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am – 8:00pm
National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Victim Helpline
If you have unwanted contact from a prisoner or are worried about their release.
Email: victim.helpline@nomsgsi.gov.uk
Revenge Porn Helpline
Supporting adults (18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn.
The Cyber Helpline
Help for those affected by cybercrime and online harm, including cyber stalking. They offer a chatbot, online resources and guidance and if you need more help, volunteer cyber security experts are available.
Refuge – Secure your tech
National Stalking Helpline
Guidance and information to anybody currently or previously affected by stalking.
Email: advice@stalkinghelpline.org
Paladin
Paladin is a trauma-informed service established to assist high-risk victims of stalking in England and Wales. Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) assist high-risk victims of stalking.
Forced Marriage Unit (FMU)
Information and assistance for people being forced to marry. Issue of Forced Marriage Protection Orders.
Karma Nirvana
National helpline for those at risk of honour-based violence.
Ashiana
Specialises in helping Black and Minority Ethnic women, in particular, women from South Asian, Turkish & Iranian communities, aged 16-30 years who are at risk of domestic and sexual violence.
Chinese Information & Advice Centre
Offers a range of advocacy and community services including women and children affected by domestic abuse. (Offers English, Cantonese & Mandarin)
East European Advice Centre
(Offers English, Polish and Russian)
Vesta – Specialist Family Support CIC
(Formerly known as the Polish Domestic Violence Helpline)
A national service providing support for Polish people experiencing domestic abuse living in the UK
FORWARD
(Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development)
African women-led org. working to end violence against women and girls. Provides advice and signposting.
IKWRO: Women’s Rights Organisation
Helps Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls living in the UK. They speak Farsi, Kurdish, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Turkish, and English.
Jewish Women’s Aid
For Jewish women and children affected by domestic and sexual violence.
Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 801 0500
Sexual Violence Support Line: 0808 801 0656
Muslim Women’s Network Helpline
National specialist faith and culturally sensitive service offering, support, guidance and referrals, and offer casework in some circumstances. They also offer support to men.
Text: 07415 206 936
NRPF Network
The No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Network safeguards the welfare of destitute families, adults and care leavers who are unable to access benefits due to their immigration status.
Sharan
Charity providing support and advice to vulnerable women, particularly of South Asian origin, who have been or are at risk of being disowned due to abuse or persecution. They link individuals to partners, and advocate on their behalf to help manage key areas such as housing, interview skills, counselling and more.
Sikh Helpline
Free confidential phone counselling and email enquiry service available 24/7 for members of the community to contact regarding a range of issue including domestic abuse.
Southall Black Sisters
Advice for Asian, African and African-Caribbean women
National Debtline
National Debtline offers phone and webchat services in England and Wales.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 9:30am to 1pm
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice offers phone and webchat services.
Telephone (England): 0800 144 8848
Telephone (Wales): 0800 702 2020
Telephone (Scotland): 0800 028 1456
Webchat service
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
StepChange
StepChange Debt Charity offers phone and online services.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 8am to 4pm
Surviving Economic Abuse
Forum for survivors of economic and financial abuse
Local Housing
See your Council website to find your local Housing. You can contact them or present yourself as homeless at one of their offices. There is a duty of care towards victims fleeing domestic abuse under the Housing Act.