What to Do If You’re Experiencing Domestic Abuse
If you’re worried about your relationship or feel unsafe, you are not alone and it is not your fault. There are people who will listen, believe you, and help you.
- Reach out for support – Talk to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, or youth worker.
- Contact specialist services – Helplines and support organisations are there to give advice and keep you safe.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999 – the police can help protect you.
- Keep yourself safe online – use private browsing, log out of shared devices, and protect your passwords.
- Remember – you deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued in your relationship. Abuse is never your fault.
What to Do If Someone You Know Is Experiencing Domestic Abuse
If you’re worried that a friend or someone close to you is in an unhealthy or unsafe relationship, you can make a difference.
- Listen and believe them – let them know you take them seriously and it’s not their fault.
- Don’t judge or pressure – leaving an abusive relationship can be very hard; they need support, not blame.
- Encourage them to seek help – suggest they talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or support service.
- Be there for them – check in, offer a safe space to talk, and remind them they are not alone.
- If they are in immediate danger, call 999 – their safety comes first.