Abuse happens in every kind of family and relationship. Some services know particular situations well.
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
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.
Galop - LGBT+ abuse and violence helpline
Specialist support for LGBTQ+ people facing domestic abuse, sexual violence, honour-based abuse, forced marriage or conversion practices.
Who it is for LGBTQ+ people anywhere in the UK, and friends, family or professionals worried about an LGBTQ+ person.
First step Contact Galop's National Helpline by phone or email.
Hourglass - abuse of older people
The UK charity focused on the abuse and neglect of older people, including domestic and financial abuse, with a free 24/7 helpline.
Who it is for Older people at risk of, experiencing or recovering from abuse, and anyone worried about an older person.
First step Contact the Hourglass 24/7 helpline by phone, text or email.
SignHealth - domestic abuse support for Deaf people
Domestic abuse and sexual violence advocates for Deaf people, with a live chat in British Sign Language (BSL).
Who it is for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people aged 16+, of any gender, experiencing domestic or sexual abuse.
First step Open SignHealth's domestic abuse page and click the chat icon to talk in BSL with a trained adviser, or refer yourself online.
Good to know The page has an EXIT button that takes you to the BBC website.
Forced Marriage Unit (UK government)
Free advice from trained professionals to stop a forced marriage or leave one, including help to find a safe place to stay.
Who it is for Anyone facing forced marriage, in the UK or about to be taken abroad, and people worried about someone. Under-18 marriages are forced marriages.
First step Contact the Forced Marriage Unit by phone or email. If you are already abroad, contact the nearest British embassy.
Good to know You can also ask a court for a forced marriage protection order. It can, for example, order someone to hand over your passport.
Karma Nirvana - honour-based abuse and forced marriage
National helpline for honour-based abuse and forced marriage. It can help you find safe temporary accommodation and advise on injunctions.
Who it is for Anyone in the UK, regardless of age, gender, sexuality or faith, and people worried about someone else.
First step Contact the Honour Based Abuse Helpline on weekdays by phone, or by email if you cannot call.
Good to know You can stay anonymous and withhold your number. If you leave a message, say the safest time to call back.
SurvivorsUK - helpline for male and non-binary survivors
National helpline for men, boys, trans and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse at any time in their lives.
Who it is for Men, boys, trans and non-binary people affected by sexual violence, and their loved ones.
First step Contact the helpline by phone, web chat, text, WhatsApp or email.
Good to know Conversations are private; details are only shared without permission if someone is in danger.
Numbers
Men's Advice Line (Respect)
Call 0808 801 0327For 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.
Galop National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call 0800 999 5428For LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Mon–Tue 09:15–20:00, Wed–Fri 09:15–16:30 (closed 13:00–14:00).
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Other topics
- Money to live on in the UKMoney help in the UK when you leave an abusive partner: Universal Credit, benefits advice and free debt advice.
- A safe place to live in the UKSomewhere safe to stay in the UK when you leave abuse: refuges, council homelessness help and housing advice.
- Legal aid and free legal help in the UKLegal help in the UK when you live with abuse: legal aid for victims of domestic abuse and free legal advice lines.
- The police and court orders in the UKReporting abuse to the police in the UK, non-molestation and occupation orders, Clare's Law and support for victims of crime.
- Children and child arrangements in the UKHelp for children and parents in the UK after abuse: child arrangements, Cafcass, and when you do not have to go to mediation.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the UKIf your visa in the UK depends on your partner: the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession and settlement as a victim of domestic abuse.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the UKHealth care in the UK after abuse or sexual assault: Sexual Assault Referral Centres, your GP and rape crisis support.