Help & Support

There is a huge range of help and support available from these organisations.

This list is a work in progress – please contact us if you have suggestions for organisations we should add.

This list currently focuses on UK organisations, but it does include a link to an international inventory of hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centres and women’s organizations, searchable by country, with an index of domestic violence resources in over 70 languages. If you are outside the UK and you would like help sourcing details of support organisations near you, feel free to get in touch at laura@everydaysexism.com and we’ll do everything we can to help.

Rape Crisis England and Wales

http://www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Helpline 0808 802 9999
Frontline specialised, independent and confidential support services for women and girls of all ages who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Rape and Sexual Assault Referral Centres

http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres/LocationSearch/364
Resource to find your nearest Rape and Sexual Assault Referral Centre. These are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
They aim to be one-stop service, providing the following under one roof: medical care and forensic examination following assault/rape and, in some locations, sexual health services. Medical Services are free of charge and provided to women, men, young people and children.

Information from NHS Direct on Help after Rape and Sexual Assault

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexualhealth/Pages/Sexualassault.aspx
Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Information and advice about available support

The Havens

http://www.thehavens.org.uk/
Camberwell 020 3299 1599 Paddington 020 3312 1101 Whitechapel 020 7247 4787
Specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted

London Rape Crisis

http://www.rapecrisislondon.org
Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Support and services for women and girls, and information about support agencies for men.

Survivors UK

http://www.survivorsuk.org
Helpline: 0845 122 1201
Information, support and counselling for men and boys who have been raped or sexually abused.

NAPAC – National Association for People Abused in Childhood

http://www.napac.org.uk
0800 085 3330
NAPAC are a national organisation that has an info-line that refers people to relevant help groups/support in their area

Women and Girls’ Network

http://www.wgn.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 801 0770
Counselling and support to help women and girls recover from violence.

Galop

http://www.galop.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7704 2040
Galop gives advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

Victim Support

http://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
Free and confidential support to help you deal with your experience, whether or not you report the crime. Also supports witnesses of crime.

Women’s Aid

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/default.asp
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
National domestic violence charity offering information and support, as well as details of support organisations in your local area and information for supporting a friend facing domestic violence.

Refuge

http://refuge.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Help for women and children facing domestic violence including refuges, psychological support, independent legal advocacy and services for minority ethnic women and children.

The National Centre for Domestic Violence

http://www.ncdv.org.uk/
Helpline: 0844 8044 999
Provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.

Men’s Advice Line

http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

Jewish Women’s Aid

http://www.jwa.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 801 0500
The helpline offers legal, housing benefits information, befriending and counselling to Jewish women. For Jewish women who are experiencing domestic violence/abuse they have a refuge in Barnet.

Nour Domestic Violence Support

http://nour-dv.org.uk/
Provides access to Islamic Advisors, Legal Advisors and also a team of professional advisors who offer health-related advice including counselling and psychological support.

National Domestic Violence helpline

http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Women experiencing domestic violence – as well as their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf – can contact this nationwide helpline 24/7 for help and advice.

Welsh Women’s Aid

http://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/
24 hour helpline: 0808 80 10 800
Information about available support services and legal protection.

Scottish Women’s Aid

http://www.scottishwomensaid.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Information about finding a branch of Women’s Aid near you in Scotland and available support services.

National Stalking Helpline

http://www.stalkinghelpline.org/
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
The National Stalking Helpline provides guidance and information to anybody who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking.

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

http://www.suzylamplugh.org/stalking/
Advice and information about stalking and personal safety.

Protection Against Stalking

http://www.protectionagainststalking.org/
Advice and information about how to tell if you may be a victim of stalking and how to get help.

Brook

http://www.brook.org.uk/
Ask Brook: 0808 8021234
Provides free and confidential sexual health advice and contraception to young people under 25.

Family Planning Association (FPA)

http://www.fpa.org.uk/
Confidential helpline: 0845 122 8690
Help, advice and information on sexual health, sex and relationships

NHS Sexual health information

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Sexualhealthtopics/Pages/Sexual-health-hub.aspx?WT.mc_id=110903
Find out about contraception, sex and young people, STIs, chlamydia, and good sex. Health information for people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Scarleteen

http://www.scarleteen.com/
Inclusive, comprehensive and smart sex, sexual health and sexuality information and help for people in their teens and 20s.

Terrence Higgins Trust

http://www.tht.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 802 1221
Information on HIV/AIDS and safer sex

Beat

http://www.b-eat.co.uk/
Helpline: 0845 634 1414
Youthline: 0845 634 7650
Information and help on all aspects of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating disorder and related eating disorders.

SelfHarm.co.uk

http://www.selfharm.co.uk/home
Support for young people impacted by self-harm

NHS Information about Self-Harm

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Self-injury/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Read about self-harm, including signs of self-harm, who is likely to be affected and information about where to get help.

Young Minds

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/whats_worrying_you/self-harm?gclid=CNG0srjz8rkCFctxOgodgGMAug
Information and support for young people and their parents

Karma Nirvana

http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/
Honour network helpline: 0800 599 9247
Supports all victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

Halo Project

http://www.haloproject.org.uk/
01642 683 045
Supporting victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage in the North East of England

FORWARD

http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/resources/support
Phone: +44 (0)20 8960 4000
Advice, support and specialist health care for girls and women affected by FGM. FORWARD is staffed by sensitive and approachable African women who as well as English speak Arabic and several other African languages

NSPCC Free 24-hour FGM Telephone Helpline

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/resourcesforprofessionals/minorityethnic/female-genital-mutilation_wda96841.html
Helpline: 0800 028 3550
Advice and support to help protect UK children from female genital mutilation. Anyone who is worried about a child being or has been a victim of FGM can contact
0800 028 3550 for information and support.

Forward list of UK Hospitals and Clinics offering Specialist FGM Services

http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/resources/support/well-woman-clinics
A list and contact details of Hospitals and Clinics in the UK offering specialist Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) health services.

NHS FGM Information

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/female-genital-mutilation/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Find out what FGM is and where to find help if you or someone you know is at risk

British Pregnancy Advisory Service

http://www.bpas.org/bpaswoman
Information and advice: 08457 30 40 30
Help and support for women on unplanned pregnancies and abortion

Marie Stopes International

http://mariestopes.rtrk.co.uk/?scid=112008&kw=4683756&pub_cr_id=20380854881
24 hour information line 0845 564 2759
Safe, supportive and non-judgmental advice and help from expert clinics. Marie Stopes supports a woman’s choice to continue with her pregnancy or have an abortion.

National Childbirth Trust

http://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy
Helpline (0300 330 0700)
For practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood including help with feeding.

Mind

http://www.mind.org.uk/
Helpline 0300 123 3393
Mental health charity offering advice and support

SANE

http://www.sane.org.uk
SANELINE telephone 0845 767 8000 0845 767 8000
One of the UK’s leading charities concerned with improving the lives of everyone affected by mental illness

The Depression Alliance

http://www.depressionalliance.org/
Information and support services for people suffering from depression.

Young Minds

http://www.youngminds.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 018 2138
Advice for parents concerned about their child’s emotional and mental health.

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

http://www.bacp.co.uk
Details of counsellors and therapists working in London and elsewhere in the UK.

Eaves

http://www.eaves4women.co.uk
Helpline: 020 7735 2062
Housing advice and other support for vulnerable women living in London.

Shelter

http://www.shelter.org.uk/
Housing advice including homelessness, eviction, repossession and more.

Rights of Women

http://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Advice line: 020 7251 6577
Free confidential legal advice for women in London and their advisers.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre

http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com
08088 020 008
Free and confidential legal advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people

Gingerbread

http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 802 0925
Expert advice and practical support for single parents

Men’s Advice Line

http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Tel: 0808 801 0327
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

Survivors UK

http://www.survivorsuk.org
Helpline: 0845 122 1201
Information, support and counselling for men and boys who have been raped or sexually abused.

Mankind Initiative

http://www.mankind.org.uk/
National helpline: 01823 334244 (including helpline services for deaf people using text relay)
Support for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard

http://www.llgs.org.uk/
Helpline 0300 330 0630
Providing free & confidential support & information to lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgendered communities throughout the UK

Broken Rainbow

http://www.brokenrainbow.org.uk/
Helpline: 0300 999 5428
National LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline providing confidential support to all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) communities, their family and friends, and agencies supporting them.

Galop

http://www.galop.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7704 2040
Galop gives advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse. They also support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system.

Gender Trust

http://www.gendertrust.org.uk/
Supporting all those affected by gender identity issues.

Regard

http://www.regard.org.uk/
National organisation of Disabled Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgendered People

UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group

http://www.uklgig.org.uk/
Promotes equality and dignity for LGBT people who seek asylum in the UK.

Asian Women’s Resource Centre

http://www.asianwomencentre.org.uk
Advice and information

Women’s Aid

http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-survivors-handbook.asp?section=000100010008000100350001
Information about domestic violence for women from black and ethnic minority communities

Black Women’s Health and Family Support

http://www.bwhafs.com/
0208 980 3503
Offers a wide range of help and support services for black women and their families.

BAWSO

http://www.bawso.org.uk/
24-hour helpline: 0800 731 8147
Providing practical and emotional support to people affected by domestic abuse and other forms of violence, including Female Genital Mutilation, Forced Marriage, Human Trafficking & Prostitution primarily from BME communities.
Bawso provide secure accommodation and support to Black and Ethnic Minority women and children in Wales who are at risk of or suffering domestic abuse.

Newham Asian Women’s Project

http://www.nawp.org/
Provides advice and support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Including a youth-led service for young women and girls.

Chinese Information and Advice Centre

http://www.ciac.co.uk
Provides support and information for Chinese people living in the UK. Also runs Sunflower Support Programme for children and teenagers affected by domestic violence.

East European Advice Centre

http://www.easteuropeanadvicecentre.org.uk/
Tel: 020 8741 1288
Advice service for Eastern Europeans. Offers English, Polish, and Russian languages, but works with most Eastern European nationals.

Muslim Community Helpline

http://muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk/
Helpline: 0208 904 8193 or 0208 908 6715
Confidential, non-judgemental listening and support service. Telephone counselling service for Muslim men and women.

Nour Domestic Violence Support

http://nour-dv.org.uk/
Provides access to Islamic Advisors, Legal Advisors and also a team of professional advisors who offer health-related advice including counselling and psychological support.

Nowe życie bez przemocy (A new life without violence)

http://www.nowezyciebezprzemocy.co.uk/
Information for victims of domestic violence who are Polish and who live in England and Wales.

Southall Black Sisters

http://www.southallblacksisters.org.uk/
Helpline: 0208 571 0800
Campaigning, information and advice for women

Respond

http://www.respond.org.uk
Tel: 020 7383 0700
Helps children and adults with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma, as well as those who have abused others, through psychotherapy, advocacy and other support.

UK Disability Forum

http://www.edfwomen.org.uk/abuse.htm
This section of the UK Disability Forum website gives information for disabled women about getting help to tackle violence and abuse.

Equality & Human Rights Commission

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com
Disability Helpline – England 0845 604 6610, Scotland 0845 604 5510, Wales 0845 604 8810
Advice and information for disabled people

Scope

http://www.scope.org.uk/help-and-information
Freephone: 0808 800 3333
Free, impartial and expert information, advice and support for disabled people, their families and carers.

Regard

http://www.regard.org.uk/
National organisation of Disabled Lesbians, Gay Men, Bisexuals and Transgendered People

ChildLine

http://www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Children and young people can contact ChildLine about anything – no problem is too big or too small. Whatever your worry it’s better out than in.

NSPCC

http://www.nspcc.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Textphone: 0800 056 0566
24 -hour child protection helpline with information and advice for anyone worried about a child’s physical and emotional safety.

Coram Children’s Legal Centre

http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com
08088 020 008
Free and confidential legal advice and information service covering all aspects of law and policy affecting children and young people

MOSAC

http://www.mosac.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 980 1958
Support, counselling and advocacy for non-abusing parents/carers of children who have been sexually abused.

Papyrus

http://www.papyrus.org.uk
Helpline: 08000 684141
Support and information for parents about young people and suicide.

Young Minds

http://www.youngminds.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 018 2138
Advice for parents concerned about their child’s emotional and mental health.

Gingerbread

http://www.gingerbread.org.uk/
Helpline: 0808 802 0925
Expert advice and practical support for single parents.

Age Concern

http://www.ageconcern.org.uk
Information line: 0800 169 6565
Advice and information for older people

Action on Elder Abuse

http://www.elderabuse.org.uk
0808 808 8141
Information and support for anyone concerned about the abuse of older people

Asylum Aid

http://www.asylumaid.org.uk
020 7354 9264
Free legal advice and representation to refugees and asylum-seekers seeking safety in the UK from persecution

Refugee Council

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Helpline – 0808 808 2255 or 0808 808 2259 (text phone) follow the instructions to select the language required. Languages available: Kurdish Sorani, Farsi, Mandarin, Pashtu, Arabic, Tigrinya and English.
Advice, assistance and campaigning for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK

Refugee Action

http://www.refugee-action.org.uk/get_help_advice
Advice about claiming asylum, the asylum process, asylum support and assisted voluntary return.

Women for Refugee Women

http://www.refugeewomen.com/
Giving a voice to women who are often unheard and unseen

Samaritans

http://www.samaritans.org
Helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
Talk to the Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you.

International Domestic Violence and Abuse Agencies List

http://www.hotpeachpages.net/
An international inventory of hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centres and women’s organizations, searchable by country, plus index of domestic violence resources in over 70 languages.