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A safe place to live in the UK

You do not need a new home lined up before you leave. Refuges and your local council can help you find somewhere safe.

This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.

Who can help

  • Finding a refuge place (National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge)

    Free, confidential 24-hour helpline that can help women find a refuge space for themselves and their children.

    Who it is for Women experiencing domestic abuse, whether or not they have left. Men can use the Men's Advice Line instead.

    First step Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline by phone or live chat and ask for help finding a refuge vacancy.

    Good to know Refuge addresses are kept secret. If your devices may be monitored, contact them from a safe device.

    nationaldahelpline.org.uk

  • Men's Advice Line (Respect)

    Confidential helpline for men facing domestic abuse, with an online hub listing local services and refuges or safe houses for men.

    Who it is for Men affected by domestic abuse anywhere in the UK.

    First step Contact the Men's Advice Line, or search its Information Hub for local services and safe houses for male victims.

    mensadviceline.org.uk

  • Council homeless help and Shelter advice (England)

    Your council must help if abuse means you cannot stay at home. Shelter explains your rights and can help if the council refuses.

    Who it is for In England: anyone who is homeless, or could become homeless, because of domestic abuse. You always count as 'priority need'.

    First step Ask your council's homeless team for help to move somewhere safe. This is called a homeless application. You can take a friend.

    Good to know The council should not ask for proof of abuse when you first ask, and must not demand police reports.

    england.shelter.org.uk

  • Live Fear Free helpline (Wales)

    Welsh Government-funded 24/7 helpline for domestic abuse and sexual violence. It can link you to emergency refuge accommodation.

    Who it is for In Wales: anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, and anyone worried about a friend, relative or colleague.

    First step Contact Live Fear Free free of charge by phone, live chat, text or email, at any time.

    Good to know The helpline number will not show on a phone bill.

    gov.wales

  • Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

    24/7 helpline for domestic abuse and forced marriage in Scotland. It can explain refuge, which in Scotland is run by local Women's Aid groups.

    Who it is for In Scotland: anyone of any age, gender, sexuality or background, plus worried family, friends and professionals.

    First step Contact the helpline any time by phone, WhatsApp, text, web chat or email.

    Good to know WhatsApp chats do not appear on bills; text messages may show on an itemised bill.

    sdafmh.org.uk

  • Housing Executive homeless help (Northern Ireland)

    The Housing Executive may have to find you somewhere to stay if abuse or the threat of it means you cannot stay at home.

    Who it is for In Northern Ireland: anyone who cannot stay at home because of violence, abuse or harassment, including from an ex-partner.

    First step Contact the Housing Executive and say you are homeless. They will interview you and talk through your housing options.

    Good to know Acting quickly helps. Free homelessness advice must be available to everyone.

    nidirect.gov.uk

Numbers

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)

    Call 0808 2000 247

    For women. Staffed by an all-female team.

    Phone 24/7. Live chat Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00.

    Chat · nationaldahelpline.org.uk

  • Men's Advice Line (Respect)

    Call 0808 801 0327

    For male victims of domestic abuse, including trans and non-binary people.

    Phone Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00. Webchat Mon–Fri 09:00–10:00.

    Chat · mensadviceline.org.uk

  • Live Fear Free (Wales)

    Call 0808 80 10 800Text 07860 077333

    For anyone in Wales experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence, and anyone worried about someone. Calls are welcome in Welsh.

    Phone, text, email and live chat 24/7.

    Chat · gov.wales

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