Helping you know your worth and feel empowered in knowing that there are steps to take to change the situation
An abusive relationship can come in many forms, both physical, verbal and mental. None of it is acceptable. You deserve to live free of fear. It may feel that both improving the situation or getting out are difficult options. Maybe you are still hoping that things will change or you are afraid of what your partner will do if you tell them how you feel or if they discover you are trying to leave. Whatever your reasons, you probably feel trapped and helpless. But help is available. There are many resources available, from help to know what you can do about the situation you are in through to crisis hotlines, shelters - there's also job training, legal services, and childcare. Start by reaching out. We have listed resources below to help you take the first steps, and when you are ready.
Websites Offering Support:
Women’s Aid
is working to end domestic abuse for women and children. They work to provide life-saving services and help women and kids to build a future without domestic violence.
Women and Girls Network (WGN)
is a free, women-only service that supports women in London who have experienced violence, or are at risk of violence.
They offer counselling, advocacy and advice with an overall aim to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls, empowering them to make a total and sustainable recovery from their experiences of violence.
Single Parents
is an information site and has a useful section with lots of articles on domestic abuse & violence including:
SAFELIVES
We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone and for good.
We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse.
We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking.
We look at the whole picture for every individual in the family, to get them the right help at the right time, so families everywhere can be safe and well.
And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.
Last year alone, we trained more than 11,500 professionals and first responders, and we reached almost 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.
And in the last six years, more than 5,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through interventions developed by our flagship Drive Partnership, and the programme continues to expand year on year.
Together we can end domestic abuse. For everyone. For good.
Refuge
operates nationwide to provide a range of high quality services for abused women and children to help them regain control of their lives and move forwards in a positive way.
Only Mums
is a national on-line support and signposting service for parents who have been (or are going through) separation/divorce.
The Family Law Panel is a FREE national on-line advice service delivered by Resolution member solicitors, barristers and mediators nationwide. Domestic Violence Accredited Specialists, firms running FREE Family Law Clinics and those offering the Reduced Legal Fees Scheme are all highlighted.
Local Support Pages sign-post to organisations that provide support and/or information relevant to those going through separation and divorce.
Separating together – A guide produced by Resolution which will give you an overview of the options available to you when you separate. It helps you to understand the legal process, how to take the first steps and where to get the support you need.
Living Without Abuse (LWA)
offers information and advice to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
LWA – Living Without Abuse – believes that all people have the right to live safely and without fear of violence and abuse. They can provide support to anyone experiencing or fearing violence or abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member.
Find A Way
Domestic abuse is never inevitable — it impacts us all, and we all have a role in ending it.
Find A Way believes that families, friends, and communities are key to creating real change. They help people recognise the early signs of abuse, offer guidance on how to support someone safely, and provide dedicated resources for those affected — including loved ones.
By bridging the gap between communities and professional services, Find A Way works to build a stronger, more connected response to domestic abuse and stalking, striving for a society with zero tolerance for abuse.
Domestic Violence UK CIC
has an online and mobile directory which allows individuals to find their nearest specialist support organisation.
Domestic Violence Intervention Project (DVIP)
run services for men who have been violent to their partner, and for women who have suffered domestic violence. They support parents and children affected by domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Helpline
is run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
UK SAYS NO MORE seeks to unite and strengthen a diverse community of members of the public and organisations nationwide to actively take a stand against domestic abuse and sexual violence under one powerful, visual symbol.
The campaign provides open-source tools and resources for individuals and organisations to take action and get involved in making a difference. Together we can challenge the myths and misconceptions around these issues, share resources and information, and ultimately work together to make real positive change.
Be part of the response by Believing, Responding and Referring.
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Books on this subject:
Why Does He Do That?
In this book, a counselor shows how to improve, survive, or leave an abusive relationship, with:
– The early warning signs
– Nine abusive personality types
– How to tell if an abuser can change, is changing, or ever will
– The role of drugs and alcohol
– What can be fixed, and what can’t
– How to leave a relationship safely
What Doesn’t Kill Us: A guide to overcoming adversity and moving forward
People confronted by tragedy, horror and adversity emerge as wiser, more mature and more fulfilled people. Research shows that this number is somewhere between 30-90% of people. Relationships become stronger. Perspectives on life change. Inner strengths are found. Even if sadness persists, trauma and tragedy can make us stronger.
Stephen Joseph has a long history of experience working with survivors of trauma and sufferers of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Stephen challenges the concept that trauma and its aftermath – often labeled as PTSD – devastate and destroy the lives. His studies have shown that a wide range of traumatic events – from separation, bereavement, illness and assault to natural disasters, accidents and terrorism – can act as catalysts for changing one’s perspective, positive change, strengthening relationships and revealing inner strengths.
This book looks at a six step process that we can all use to manage our emotions and navigate adversity to find new meaning, purpose and direction in our lives.
No Permission Needed: Ending the Cycle of Verbal Abuse
LisaRenee Ciancio-Fogarty was grieving the sudden passing of her father, when she met a man who swept her off her feet. He was stable and fun. He was the one! After a fairytale wedding she learned her husband was not what she thought he was – he was verbally abusive. She was met with critical remarks, chaos and feeling unloved. LisaRenee explains how women can rebuild their lives with or without their spouse and reclaim their life. She shows how to cherish yourself, for the beautiful women you are.
Mind Games: Emotionally Manipulative Tactics Partners Use to Control Relationship
We might all be able to recognize blatant abuse, but when we’re emotionally invested, it’s tough to see the little signs that are in front of our faces sometimes. This book looks at underhanded, sneaky, and malicious emotional manipulation tactics that just serve to beat you down and control you. Recognize that your partner is your manipulator and abuser – don’t allow them to force the upper hand.