What to do if you're being abused

You may be being abused or hurt by your partner or someone else. Whoever it is who's hurting you, it’s not OK and you don’t need to put up with it.

Here are some things you can do:

Call the police in an emergency on 999 – it’s their job to protect you
Call the local police station when it is not an emergency and find out more about what they can do to protect you. Most police services have specialist sections called domestic violence units. It’s their job to provide specialist help and advice. You won’t be forced to take your partner or relative to court if that’s not safe or not what you want. They can tell you more about safety and protection such as alarms, window locks and other things that can help you if you are living with your abuser or if you are thinking of leaving.
Call the Samaritans on 08457909090 if you want someone to talk to about the situation in confidence when it isn’t an emergency and you aren’t in danger.
Call Victim Support if you have been the victim of a crime and want support and advice about what to do and how to keep you safer or for emotional support.
Call the Men’s Advice Line on 08088010327 for specialist advice and information about protection from domestic violence if you are a man, whether your abuser is your partner or another family member, a female or a male. They can give you legal information, put you onto other services if you need them, tell you about counselling you may want and just give you someone to talk to who understands.
Talk to a solicitor about legal rights you may have if you are considering separating, particularly if you are also worried about your immigration status.

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