Abuse

Whether you’re currently experiencing abuse or have been affected by it in the past, please know that you’re not alone. Help and support are available, and you deserve to feel safe and heard.

Understanding abuse

Abuse can take many forms, and it’s important to recognise them. Here are some common types:

• Physical abuse: any form of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing or being forcibly restrained.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: being regularly ignored, criticised, manipulated or humiliated. This also includes coercive control, where someone tries to control your actions and decisions.
• Neglect: not looking after your basic needs, whether medical, emotional or physical.
• Sexual abuse: any sexual activity that you do not want or haven’t agreed to willingly, including online interactions.
• Financial abuse: includes controlling your money, stealing money, or fraud.

What can I do if I’m being abused?

If you’re experiencing any form of abuse or if you’re concerned about someone else who might be, reaching out for support is a brave and important step.

If someone close to you, a friend, partner or family member, is violent or abusive towards you, it is important to seek support. Abuse is never your fault, and there are people who care and want to help.

It can be hard to recognise abuse, especially when it involves someone you trust. Talking about it may feel overwhelming and hard, but try to remember that you’re not alone and support is available.

Take a look at the support links in the ‘get help now’ section below. They’re here for you whenever you’re ready, whether you want to talk freely without judgment or make a plan for your next steps.

Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse

Opening up about past abuse, especially childhood sexual abuse, can be incredibly difficult. It may affect your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.

This page provides information and connections to free support services to support your mental health and wellbeing. Some of the services listed will be also be able to give relevant practical, legal and physical health advice.

If you’re a survivor, please know there are dedicated support services available specifically for adult survivors of childhood abuse. These services are here to listen, believe you, and to help you begin or continue your healing journey.

Thinking about leaving an abusive relationship?

If you are thinking of leaving a relationship where you’re experiencing abuse or coercive control, you don’t have to try to do it alone. Find support in our ‘get help now’ section below to help you understand your options and make a plan.

Leaving can feel overwhelming or even frightening, especially if your partner is threatening or controlling. But with the right help, you can be free. You deserve to be free and to live safely and without fear.

If you need emergency help

If you are in immediate danger, injured or fear for your safety, call 999 straight away. If you’re unable to speak, tap the handset, cough or make a noise to alert the operator. When prompted, press 55 – this lets the call handler know you need police assistance but cannot speak safely. If you’re able, go to your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department immediately.

Mental health crisis support

If you are having a mental health crisis and need urgent help, phone 111 and select option 2 to speak to a trained mental health professional. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Explore videos about abuse

Women’s Aid: Spot The Abuse uses a game show style format to explore what controlling behaviour and coercive control can look like.

Journalist and presenter Ellie Flynn brings together a group of 20 young people aged 18-25 to discuss what constitutes coercive control. Please note, this video contains dramatised depictions of coercive control in relationships.

Two women describe their experiences of domestic abuse and how they found the strength and support to leave their situation.