Domestic abuse resources

What does domestic abuse look like?

Assumptions are sometimes made about who is affected by domestic abuse and what domestic abuse looks like. When stereotypes around domestic abuse are perpetuated, we risk ignoring victims or inadvertently telling them that their experiences aren't valid. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, economic background, religious belief or sexual orientation. There is no such thing as a 'typical' domestic abuse victim and there is no such thing as 'typical' domestic abuse.

**The short videos below explore some of the different types of domestic abuse. Please note that the first video (Lejla) includes a verbal description of domestic abuse.**
Lejla - my experience of domestic abuse and gaslighting	Look Twice: Coercive control
Look Twice: Emotional abuse	Refuge: Tech abuse
Look Twice: Financial abuse	Out Against Abuse: LGBT+ experiences

Bright Sky mobile app

Bright Sky is a free app with a range of tools to support you if you are in an abusive relationship or worried about someone you know. It includes a UK-wide directory of support services, tools to assess the safety of relationships, advice on how to leave an abusive partner and advice on how to help someone affected by domestic abuse.

With Bright Sky you can:

Take a questionnaire to learn how to spot the signs of domestic abuse
Get tips on how you can respond to and help a loved one, friend or colleague experiencing domestic abuse
Access a UK-wide directory of support services and helplines

bright-sky-app

As part of the app set up there is the option to disguise Bright Sky as a different app and a button that immediately reverts the screen to the cover app. Please only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.

Domestic abuse support agencies and organisations

Services for women

Refuge provide support nationally for women and children escaping domestic violence, sexual violence, forced marriage, ‘honour’-based violence, human trafficking and modern slavery. Their services include refuges, community-based projects, culturally-specific services, and support for women going through the criminal justice system.

Refuge operate a Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk (access live chat Mon-Fri 3-10pm)

Birmingham and Solihull Women's Aid provide emotional and practical support to women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse, including emergency refuge accommodation and housing support and advice.

They operate a confidential helpline open 7 days a week, 9.15am-5.15pm: 0808 800 0028

Please also see the list of female-focused services that are minority ethnic, cultural and faith-specific below.

Services for men

Respect: Men’s Advice Line operate a website, telephone and email helpline for all male victims of domestic abuse.

ManKind Initiative offer information, support and signposting services to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former spouse or partner.

Refuge also offer support and signposting for male victims of domestic abuse.

LGBTQ+ specific services

Galop specialise in supporting LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of abuse, including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and conversion therapies. They operate a domestic abuse telephone line and webchat service:

LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Webchat: click here for details and operating hours

Birmingham LGBT IDVA The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service provides support to LGBT people in Birmingham and the wider area, who are experiencing abuse from partners, ex-partners and family members. They also support LGBT people who are experiencing, or are at risk of honour-based violence and forced marriage.

Minority ethnic, cultural and faith-specific services

Bharosa domestic abuse service is a domestic abuse service for ethnic minority women (particularly those from a South Asian background) living in Birmingham. They provide a free service in a range of languages for women and young girls over the age of 16 who are experiencing any form of domestic abuse.

Nour campaign against domestic abuse in Muslim communities and provide advice and support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Muslim Women’s Network Helpline is a national specialist faith and culturally sensitive helpline that is confidential and non-judgmental and offers information, support, guidance and referrals for those who are suffering from or at risk of abuse.

Honour-based abuse support

Karma Nirvana is a specialist charity for victims and survivors of honour-based abuse in the UK.

Galop specialise in supporting LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and conversion therapies.

Birmingham LGBT IDVA The Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service provides support to LGBT people in Birmingham and the wider area, including LGBT people who are experiencing, or are at risk of honour-based violence and forced marriage.

Elder abuse support

Hourglass campaign against and provide advice and support for those suffering or concerned about elder abuse.

Stalking support

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust provides support for individuals being stalked and operates the National Stalking Helpline: tel: 0808 802 0300

Financial and economic abuse support

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) provide support and guidance for individuals experiencing financial and economic abuse.