Worried about someone?
If you’re worried that someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, trust your instincts, abuse is often hidden, and many people feel too afraid, ashamed, or unsure to speak out.
Your support could be the first step in helping them get to safety and rebuild their life.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse isn’t just physical violence. It can include:
Emotional abuse or manipulation
Threats & intimidation
Sexual abuse or pressure
Financial control or withholding money
Isolation from friends & family
Coercive & controlling behaviour
Harassment or tech-based abuse
Abuse can happen in any relationship regardless of age, gender, sexuality or background and often gets worse over time.
Signs Someone May Be Experiencing Abuse
Some signs may be subtle. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. You might notice they:
Seem anxious, withdrawn or unusually quiet
Cancel plans or lose contact with friends and family
Have unexplained injuries or give vague explanations
Appear to be monitored or overly checked-in on by a partner
Don’t have access to their own money or phone
Seem afraid of making mistakes or upsetting their partner
Often defend or make excuses for their partner’s behaviour
Talk about feeling “trapped,” “worthless,” or “crazy”
How You Can Help
Supporting someone in an abusive situation can feel overwhelming but even a small gesture can make a big difference.
Listen without judgement
Let them talk at their own pace. Believe what they tell you and avoid asking “why don’t you just leave?” it’s not that simple.
Focus on their safety
Let them know abuse is never their fault and they’re not alone. Offer help to plan for safety if needed (see our Safety Planning page). Don’t encourage them to leave without seeking help and safety planning.
Respect their choices
Leaving an abusive relationship is complex and risky. It’s important they stay in control of what happens next.
Offer practical support
This could be going with them to appointments, helping with childcare, or researching support services.
Encourage them to seek professional help
You can share our contact details or offer to help them reach out to us. They may need time and that’s okay.
You helped me get through an awful time.
How we can help
If the person is ready to talk, they can contact us directly for confidential support. We offer:
A needs and risk assessment to understand their situation
Ongoing Outreach or IDVA support, tailored to their level of risk
Safety planning, housing, legal and emotional support
Help navigating police, courts, social services or safeguarding
A non-judgemental space to talk things through in their own time
Recovery Support, including groups and programmes designed to help them recovery from trauma
If you’re unsure what to do, you can also contact us for advice. We’ll help you understand your options and how best to support them safely.
When to Call 999
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, or you hear or see an incident happening, always call 999.
If they’re unable to speak on the phone, they can press 55 when prompted during a 999 call to signal they need help (this is called the Silent Solution).
Need Advice or Support?
You can speak to us in confidence, whether you’re worried about a friend, relative, colleague, neighbour, or someone else in your life.
Get in Touch
You don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing you care could be the first step toward change.