Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge.

The helpline is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week for women experiencing domestic violence. All calls are confidential – we will not reveal that a woman

has been in touch with us and will not reveal any information without your permission.

Information and support

Fully trained female workers provide support, information and a listening ear. Via the helpline abused women and their children access places of safety in the network of refuges across the UK.

We also offer support and information to friends, family members and external agencies calling on behalf of a woman.

Our aim is to make a woman aware of her options so she can make informed choices. We discuss the alternatives available to her, empowering her to make her own decisions. We never judge her or tell her what to do.

A service for everyone

The helpline is a member of Language Line and can provide access to an interpreter for non-English speaking callers. The helpline can also access the BT Type Talk Service. Calls are confidential.

Who can call the helpline?

The helpline is a lifeline for thousands of women, many of whom have never before spoken about their experiences.

Abused women have many reasons for calling:

• Some have fled their home and desperately need a place of safety;
• Others want to talk about what is happening to them, discuss their fears and seek support;
• Many need information about their housing and legal rights or reassurance about calling the police.

Not only abused women contact us. We also hear from:

• Friends or family members seeking advice.
• Agencies referring women to refuges or seeking advice.

If the lines are busy?

• Always call the police 999 in an emergency.
• Keep trying – our quieter periods are evenings, nights and weekends.
• You can also read the true stories of women who have contacted us.