Domestic abuse and violence
The UK government's definition of domestic abuse is 'any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, economic, emotional'.
Who to call for advice
In an emergency dial 999 for immediate assistance.
You can call 999 without speaking, then pressing 55 or tapping or coughing into the phone. This will enable police to respond.
Local support agencies
The organisations below will offer you support and keep your personal information safe. You may also be able to ask for an interpreter if you need one. Please ask the organisation about their privacy policy and interpreter services.
Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services
Domestic abuse support for women and girls. Drop in, referral and outreach services.
- Freephone: 0800 084 2744
- Office: 0151 263 7474
- Mobile/text for hard of hearing: 0756 201 3316
- ldasenquiries@heatkensington.org.uk
- liverpooldomesticabuseservice.org.uk
Merseyside Domestic Violence Service
Services for women, men, families, children and young people, including help with domestic abuse and stalking.
- 0780 272 2703
- mdvs.org
Paul Lavelle Foundation
Support for men in domestic abusive relationships.
- Support line: 0151 651 3777
- General enquiries: 0151 294 4176
- info@paullavellefoundation.co.uk
- paullavellefoundation.co.uk/services
Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA)
Professional counselling and support service to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals impacted by sexual violence at some point in their lives. Support for women, men and children. Also support offered from an ISVA: Independent Sexual Violence Adviser.
- Helpline: 0151 666 1392, Tuesday and Thursday 6-8pm, Friday 12pm-2pm.
- Referrals: 0151 558 1801
- helpline@rasamerseyside.org
- General enquiries: rasa@rasammerseyside.org
- rasamerseyside.org
Ruby Project
Domestic abuse support for women.
- 0151 702 5559/5500
- Mobile: 07714289180
- Out of hours, freephone: 0800 688 9990
- ruby@pss.org.uk
- psspeople.com/whats-happening/news/the-futures-bright-for-ruby
Savera UK
Honour-based abuse and harmful practice specialist.
- Freephone: 0800 107 0726
- Head office: 0330 1592004
- info@saverauk.co.uk
- saverauk.co.uk
South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services
Support women across the South and South Central area of Liverpool.
- Freephone: 0800 083 7114
- Mobile/text for hard of hearing: 07593 549 0040151
- Office: 0151 494 2222/0151 494 1777
- services@sldas.co.uk
- sl-domesticabuseservices.org.uk
Victim Support Merseyside
Free and confidential support for people affected by crime and traumatic events.
- 0151 353 4003, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
- Out of hours: 0808 1689 111
- victimsupport.org.uk/resources/merseyside
National support agencies
24-hour national free helpline
Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for women and children.
- Freephone: 0808 2000 247
- nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Ask for ANI at a pharmacy #youarenotalone
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for 'ANI' in a pharmacy that has the 'Ask for ANI' logo on display. 'ANI' stands for Action Needed Immediately but also sounds like the name Annie. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
GALOP
Support for LGBT victims of domestic abuse.
- Freephone: 0800 999 5428
- help@galop.org.uk
- galop.org.uk/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/
Karma Nirvana
Support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
- Freephone: 0800 5999 247
- info@karmanirvana.org.uk
- karmanirvana.org.uk
Men's Advice Line
A confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse. Whether you are in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship.
- Freephone: 0808 801 0327, Monday-Friday 9am-8pm. Free from landlines, mobile phones and BT pay phones within the UK. Your call will not appear on your itemised bill.
- info@mensadviceline.org.uk
- mensadviceline.org.uk
Respect
The Respect Phoneline provides confidential advice for people who are abusive and/or violent towards their partners.
- Freephone: 0808 802 4040 Free from landlines and most mobile phones.
- respect.uk.net
Women's Aid
If you are being abused or suffering indirectly as the result of abuse a child or family member.
- Freephone 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247
- womenssaid.org.uk this website has a directory of local domestic violence services in Merseyside and the North West.