Domestic Abuse Support
If you’re experiencing abuse or have been affected by it, you are not alone. Help is available.
If You Are in Immediate Danger
Call 999 — If you can’t speak, call 999 and press 55. The operator will know you need help.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, free)
In an emergency, always call 999.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It can include emotional abuse, coercive control, financial abuse, sexual abuse, digital abuse, and psychological manipulation. It can happen to anyone — regardless of age, gender, sexuality, background, or relationship status.
Abuse often escalates slowly. It can start with small things — checking your phone, criticising what you wear, isolating you from friends. Over time, these behaviours can become controlling and deeply harmful.
Signs of Domestic Abuse
You may be experiencing domestic abuse if your partner or someone close to you:
Controls who you see, where you go, or what you do
Monitors your phone, emails, or social media
Makes you feel afraid, anxious, or like you’re walking on eggshells
Puts you down, humiliates you, or makes you feel worthless
Controls your finances or prevents you from working
Threatens you, your children, or your pets
Uses physical force — pushing, hitting, grabbing, restraining
Pressures or forces you into sexual activity
Types of Abuse
Coercive Control
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that seeks to take away your autonomy. It can include rules, monitoring, isolation, and psychological manipulation. It became a criminal offence in England and Wales in 2015.
Emotional & Psychological Abuse
Constant criticism, gaslighting, silent treatment, blame-shifting, and making you question your own reality. These tactics are designed to erode your confidence and make you dependent on the abuser.
Financial Abuse
Controlling your access to money, preventing you from working, running up debts in your name, or making you account for every penny you spend.
Digital Abuse
Monitoring your online activity, demanding passwords, using technology to track your location, or sharing intimate images without consent.
Where to Get Help
SHOUT Crisis Text Line
Text SHOUT to 85258
Free 24/7 text-based support
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I’m Here If You Need Support
I offer trauma-informed coaching and text-based support through The Anchor Line for people affected by domestic abuse. There’s no judgement, no pressure — just genuine, gentle support.