Support organisations
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, we can put you in touch with other support organisations that understand your specific needs. Below you’ll find a list of organisations who can assist you.
The police
Call the UK police non-emergency number, 101, if you need support or advice from the police and it's not an emergency. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101.
Local help
Compass - find a domestic abuse service in your district.
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board - advice and information on services for those affected by domestic abuse.
Next Chapter - help for adults and children affected by domestic abuse.
Changing Pathways - help including refuges and counselling.
The Change Project - for victims and perpetrators.
Victim Support Essex - local branch of the national scheme
Survivor story
Hayley Lowles, 34, was attacked in her home by her boyfriend of seven years, Matthew Sargent.
He attacked her so viciously, that doctors thought at one stage she may not survive.
But she did and has seen him jailed for a minimum of 16 years, having been convicted of attempted murder in May 2014.
The mum-of-one was brave enough to tell her story and share why she is behind the Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse campaign.
In the film she explains how she didn't realise she was in an abusive relationship, that she didn't know help was available and encourages other people to seek that help to either stay safe in a relationship or leave it.
Other support organisations
SafeLives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.
National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse apply for an emergency court injunction.
Victim Support
Free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family and friends with 24-hour live chat and helpline available.
Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Helpline
Free 24-hour national helpline run by Women’s Aid and Refuge.
National Stalking Helpline
Guidance on the law, how to report stalking, gathering evidence, staying safe and reducing the risk.
Shelter Emergency Helpline
Advice for those struggling with bad housing or homelessness.
Karma Nirvana
Confidential helpline providing emotional and practical support and advice for victims and survivors of forced marriage and/or honour-based violence.
Forced Marriage Unit
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) if you’re trying to stop a forced marriage or you need help leaving a marriage you’ve been forced into.
FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors)
Legal support service to help protect women against domestic abuse.
Sharan Project
Provides support to vulnerable women, particularly of South Asian origin, who have been disowned.
Men’s Advice Line
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
Respect.uk
Advice and support for those who are finding it difficult to manage their behaviour, male victims of domestic abuse, and young people using violence and abuse in close relationships.
ManKind Initiative
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence.
Hourglass
The Hourglass confidential helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person.
Galop
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people.
Sign Health
Support and advice for victims of domestic abuse who are deaf or hard of hearing.