This page is for anyone who has been affected by abuse - including physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
It contains links to a wide range of information and organisations that may assist people who have experienced abuse and their family and friends.
If you have been abused, or fear you have, it can be hard to take the first step in seeking help – especially if you have tried to talk about the issue to friends, family or professionals and have not had a response that helped you.
Provision varies according to where you are in the country, with many groups being based locally. Many self-help organisations are staffed by volunteers and operate only on a part-time basis, so you may have to telephone a few times before you get a response. Unfortunately, small organisations can encounter problems with their telephone systems and, if you feel able to, it is often worth leaving a message as well as calling back at different times in the day. Your local telephone directory or Citizens Advice Bureau may have further information on local organisations.
The resources listed on this page give an overview of the kinds of help and services that are available for those who have suffered any kind of abuse, physical, emotional and/or sexual either in childhood or as an adult, and for those who may be concerned about someone who has been abused.
Some of these organisations though mostly national, may offer particular services in the local area in which they are based, or provide help with particular issues.
Refuge
4th Floor, International House, 1 St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1UN
helpline: 0808 2000 247 (Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge)
email: info@refuge.org.uk
web: http://refuge.org.uk
Women's Aid (England)
Helpline:0808 2000 247 (Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge)
helpline@womensaid.org.uk The National Domestic Violence Helpline can only offer limited information by email as they don't have the resources to provide on-going support or in-depth information in this way. When you email the Helpline it's very important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address.
email: info@womensaid.org.uk
web: http://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Welsh Womens Aid
Helpline: 0808 80 10 800 (24 hour helpline for anyone who is experiencing, or has experienced domestic abuse, or for anyone who is worried about domestic abuse happening to a friend, family member or colleague. It is free, confidential and the number will not show up on a telephone bill.
Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre
PO Box 20, Oxford OX4 1DY
Freephone: 0800 783 6294 (Mon, Thurs 6.30-9pm; Fri 11.30am-2pm; Sun 6-8.30pm)
tel: 01865 726 295
web: www.oxfordrapecrisis.net
Offers free confidential telephone support to female survivors of rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual harassment, whether recent or in the past.
Men's Advice Line
The Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.
Helpline: 0808 801 0327 (free from landlines and mobile phones. Open: Monday – Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm)
email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
web: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
Ashiana Sheffield
Aims to help prevent murder and serious harm as a result of domestic abuse and forced marriage and honour based violence to black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women (BAMER). Also supports children and young people. The organisation is based in Sheffield but provides support for BAMER women and children in England, Wales and Scotland.
Knowle House, 4 Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield S2 3Q
helpline: 01142555740 (Open 24 hours)
email: info@ashianahelp.org.uk
web: http://www.ashianasheffield.org/
Broken Rainbow
Provides support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence.
helpline: 0300 999 5428 Open Monday: 2pm - 8pm, Wednesday: 10am - 5pm,Thursday: 2pm - 8pm
email: help@broken-rainbow.org.uk
web: http://www.broken-rainbow.org.uk/index.html
Respect
Respect runs support services and programmes for people who inflict violence in relationships including young men and women. They also provide an advice line for men who are victims of an abusive relationship
4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street , London EC2A 4LT
helpline 0808 802 4040 (Open: Monday - Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm)
email: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
web: www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Respect not fear
web: http://www.respectnotfear.co.uk/whatsnotok/
Website for young people about domestic violence
The Hide Out
web: http://www.thehideout.org.uk/over10/default.aspa
Women's Aid has created this webiste to help young people understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to them.
The Forced Marriage Unit
Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a joint-initiative with the Home Office. FMU assists actual and potential victims of forced marriage, as well as professionals working in the social, educational and health sectors.
tel: 020 7008 0151
email: fmu@fco.gov.uk
web: ehttp://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/when-things-go-wrong/forced-marriage/
Ashiana Sheffield
Aims to help prevent murder and serious harm as a result of domestic abuse and forced marriage and honour based violence to black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women (BAMER). Also supports children and young people. The organisation is based in Sheffield but provides support for BAMER women and children in England, Wales and Scotland.
Knowle House, 4 Norfolk Park Road, Sheffield S2 3Q
helpline: 01142555740 (Open 24 hours)
email: info@ashianahelp.org.uk
web: http://www.ashianasheffield.org/
The Monitoring Group
Anti-racist charity that promotes civil rights and supports victims of racial harassment and police misconduct. Provides advice, legal advocacy and support for victims of racial harassment and police misconduct.
London Civil Rights and Arts Centre, 28 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LH
helpline: 0800 374 618 ( Open 24 hours providing advice, legal advocacy and support for victims of racial harassment and police misconduct.)
email: office@tmg-uk.org
web: http://www.tmg-uk.org/
Black Women's Rape Action Project and Women against Rape
Crossroads Women's Centre, 230a Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2AB
tel: 020 7482 2496 (Mon to Fri 1.30-4pm)
email: bwrap@dircon.co.uk; war@womenagainstrape.net
web: www.womenagainstrape.net
Offers practical support and counselling to black and immigrant women and other women of colour, including asylum seekers. Serves London. Centre opening hours: Tues and Wed 12-4pm, Thurs 5-7pm.
CIS'ters (Childhood Incest Survivors)
PO Box 119, Eastleigh SO50 92F
tel: 023 8033 8080 (Sat 10am-12 midday; answerphone at other times)
email: admin@cisterswanadoo.co.uk
Provides help and support for adult women who suffered incest as a child. Organises workshops and conferences to raise awareness on the issues surrounding incest, particularly mental distress.
Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre
PO Box 20, Oxford OX4 1DY
Freephone: 0800 783 6294 (Mon, Thurs 6.30-9pm; Fri 11.30am-2pm; Sun 6-8.30pm)
tel: 01865 726 295
web: www.oxfordrapecrisis.net
Offers free confidential telephone support to female survivors of rape, sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual harassment, whether recent or in the past.
Rape Crisis (England and Wales)
BCM Box 4444, London WC1N 3X
National Freephone helpline: 0808 802 9999 (Open 12-12.30 p.m./7-9.30 p.m. every day of the year)
Co-ordinator: Christine Bennett
email: nfo@rapecrisis.org.uk or chris@rapecrisis.org.uk
Policy Officer: Angie Conroy
email policy@rapecrisis.org.uk or angie@sericc.org.uk
web: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Lists local organisations throughout England and Wales with contact details, services offered and opening times. Services are available to women who have been sexually abused at any time in their lives. Most members have a great deal of experience in working with people who were abused in childhood, and some can offer face-to-face counselling and support groups as well as telephone support.
AMSOSA (Adult Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse)
161 Victoria Rd, Swindon SN1 3BU
tel (office): 0845 430 9372
helpline: 0845 430 9371 (weekdays 10am-4pm; Wed 7-9pm)
email: via website
web: www.amsosa.com
Helpline support and web forum for non-offending adult male survivors of childhood or adult sexual abuse.
Mankind
PO Box 124, Newhaven BN9 9TQ
tel: 01273 510 447
email: admin@mankindcounselling.org.uk
web: www.mankindcounselling.org.uk
Provides one-to-one counselling, therapeutic groups and couple counselling to men (age 18+) who have experienced sexual abuse at any time in their lives.
Survivors UK
Ground floor, 34 Gt James St, London WC1N 3HB
helpline: 0845 122 1201 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 7-10pm)
tel: 020 7404 6234
email: info@survivorsuk.org
web: www.survivorsuk.org
Provides support for men who have been raped or sexually abused. Helpline takes calls from the whole of the UK. Also provides face-to-face counselling and support groups in the London area.
Family Matters
13 Wrotham Road, Gravesend DA11 0PA
helpline: 01474 537 392 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) tel: 01474 536 661
email: admin@familymatters.org
web: www.familymattersuk.org
Offers counselling and listening and information to adults and children aged 4 years and over who are survivors of sexual abuse. Also provides group therapy and outreach support in London, Kent and parts of Essex. (Messages left on helpline answerphone are answered as soon as possible.)
HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse)
Ross Cottage, Northwick Road, Pilning BS35 4HB
email (support): friend@havoca.org
email (general enquiries): info@havoca.org
web: www.havoca.org
Provides information to any adult who is suffering from past childhood abuse. Website includes survivors' forum.
Lifecentre: SUST (Support for Unwanted Sexual Trauma)
PO Box 58, Chichester PO19 8UD
helpline (adult): 0844 847 7879 (Sun, Mon, Tues, Thurs 7.30-10pm)
helpline (under 18s): 0808 802 0808 (Sun, Mon, Thurs 7.30-10pm; Mon, Wed 3.30-5.30pm)
tel: 01243 786 349
email: info@lifecentre.uk.com
web: www.lifecentre.uk.com
Telephone counselling for survivors of sexual abuse and those supporting survivors. Also offers face-to-face counselling and art therapy groups in West Sussex.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service (RASAC)
helpline: 01962 848 024/027 (Mon 11.30am-1.30pm; Tues, Thurs 7-9.30pm)
tel: 01962 848 018
email: rasac@rasac.org.uk
web: www.rasac.org.uk
Provides free, confidential listening, support and information for women and men who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in the lives, and for their friends, families and professionals. Website provides access to ASRS - Abuse Survivors Recovery Support, which provides support forums and a chat room.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
PO Box 315, Hounslow TW3 1QF
helpline: 0808 802 9999 (every day 12-2.30pm, 7-9.30pm)
email: info@rasasc.org.uk
web: www.rasasc.org.uk
Offers free face-to-face counselling (where available), telephone support and group work. Serves Greater London.
Safeline
3 Trinity Mews, Priory Road, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4NA
helpline: 0808 800 5005 (Mon-Fri 7.30-9.30pm)
tel (office): 01926 408 315
web: www.safelinewarwick.co.uk
Offers support and information nationwide by telephone for people who have been sexually abused in childhood. One-to-one counselling, befriending and support groups provided in Warwickshire and the Coventry area. Website includes support forums.
Action for Children
3 The Boulevard, Ascot Road, Watford, WD18 8AG
tel:0300 123 2112
ask.us@actionforchildren.org.uk
office tel: 01923 361 500
web: www.actionforchildren.org.uk
Voluntary organisation whose services include specialist treatment centres for sexually abused children.
Stop it Now !
Bordesley Hall, The Holloway, Alvechurch, Birmingham, B48 7QA
tel (office): 01527 598 184
helpline: 0808 1000 900 (Mon-Thurs 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-7pm)
email (general): office@stopitnow.org.uk
confidential email support line: help@stopitnow.org.uk
web: www.stopitnow.org.uk
Stop it Now! has a confidential freephone helpline for people struggling with sexual thoughts and behaviours towards children. The helpline will also support anyone with a concern, including the parents and carers of children and young people with worrying sexual behaviour, and friends and family worried about the behaviour of another adult. It produces a range of prizewinning booklets and posters, which can be downloaded from their website.
Association of Child Abuse Lawyers (ACAL)
Suite 11, Claremont House, 22-24 Claremont Road, Surbiton KT6 4QU
tel: 020 8390 4701 (Tues, Thurs 10am-1pm, 2-4pm)
email: info@childabuselawyers.com
web: www.childabuselawyers.com
Can provide help with finding a solicitor specialising in child abuse matters.
Mosac
c/o West Greenwich Community and Arts Centre, 141 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA
tel: 0800 980 1958
web: www.mosac.org.uk
Mosac is a voluntary organisation supporting non-abusing parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused, providing support, advice, information and counselling following the discovery of sexual abuse. Provides useful help and resources. Please note that at the time of compiling this factsheet the answerphone did not give the organisation's name, but leaving a message got a response.
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse)
PO Box 548, Colchester CO1 1YP
tel (office): 01206 367 881
helpline: 01206 769 795 (24-hour answer machine)
email: admin@caraessex.org.uk
web: http://www.caraessex.org.uk/
A confidential support service run by women for women, children and young men under the age of 19 who have suffered any form of sexual violence, past or present, including ritual abuse. Also offers support to families and friends of those abused.
See Mind's factsheet Abuse by health and social care workers
Mind Link
Granta House, 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ
tel: 020 8215 2207
email: mindlink@mind.org.uk
web: see Networks under About Mind section of www.mind.org.uk
Mind's network of mental health service survivors.
Many of the other organisations listed on this page also provide web forums or links to forums and chat rooms.
AEST (Abused Empowered Survive Thrive)
www.aest.org.uk
This website provides links to over 60 support forums and chat rooms and information for male and female survivors of childhood or adult sexual abuse or rape. It also provides links relating to panic attacks, eating disorders and self-harm.
Making Daughters Safe Again
http://mdsasupport.homestead.com
US-based website providing support and information about mother-daughter sexual abuse.
NAPAC (National Association for People Abused in Childhood)
42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH
support line: 0800 085 3330 (times vary on different days - see website for details and for freephone numbers for different mobile phone networks)
tel: 020 8313 9460
email: via website
web: www.napac.org.uk
NAPAC is the only national freephone support line for men or women who are adult survivors of any kind of childhood abuse. The support line is staffed by people with an in-depth understanding of the effects of abuse. You can contact them just to get things off your chest, to discuss action you might want to take or to find out about expertise and resources available locally and nationally. The website also provides a comprehensive list of resources, including publications, a book list and legal advice.
TANSAL (The Abuse Network Survivor Aid Links)
web: http://tansal.50megs.com
Provides information on books, training, UK events and links for survivors of sexual, physical, emotional or mental abuse and neglect during childhood, and those supporting survivors.
ChildLine
Freepost NATN1111, London E1 6BR
helpline: 0800 1111 (24 hours)
helpline for children in care: 0800 88 44 44 (Mon-Fri 3.30-9.30pm, Sat and Sun 2-8pm)
textphone helpline: 0800 400 222 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-9.30pm, Sat and Sun 9.30am-8pm)
web: www.childline.org.uk
Confidential telephone counselling service for children about any issue. ChildLine also runs a dedicated helpline for children who are in foster care, in a children's home, at boarding school or who are long-term hospital patients.
Kidscape
2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH
helpline: 08451 205 204 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
tel: 020 7730 3300
web: www.kidscape.org.uk
Telephone advice for parents with concerns about school bullying and child sexual abuse. Child protection advice leaflets available on website.
NSPCC
42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH
helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours daily)
email: help@nspcc.org.uk
web: www.nspcc.org.uk
For anyone who needs advice, help or information regarding a child's welfare and for those who want to report concerns they have about a child or young person at risk of abuse.
YoungMinds
48-50 St John Street, London EC1M 4DG
tel: 020 7336 8445
helpline (for parents): 0808 802 5544
email: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
web: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Deals with all issues affecting the emotional and mental wellbeing of children and young people, and empowering their parents and carers. Produces useful publications, including the leaflets Sexually abused? and Do you know someone who has been sexually abused? which can be downloaded from the website.
Action on Elder Abuse
PO Box 60001, Streatham SW16 9BY
tel: 020 8835 9280
helpline (UK): 080 8808 8141
helpline (Eire): 1800 940 010
email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
web: www.elderabuse.org.uk
Helpline for anyone concerned in any way about the abuse of older people
Respond
3rd floor, 24-32 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD
tel (office): 020 7383 0700
helpline: 0808 808 0700 (Open Fridays 12.30 pm – 4 pm)
email: admin@respond.org.uk
web: www.respond.org.uk
Respond provides a range of services to people with learning disabilities, including both victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse. It also provides support and training for families, carers and professionals. Mental health professionals can refer people with learning difficulties who have experienced or perpetrated sexual abuse for face-to-face work.
Voice UK
Rooms 100-106, Kelvin House, RTC Business Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UP
helpline: 0808 802 8686 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
tel (office): 01332 291042
email: voice@voiceuk.org.uk
web: www.voiceuk.org.uk
Supports people with learning difficulties who have experienced crime or abuse, and their families, carers and professionals.
Samaritans
PO Box 9090, Stirling FK8 2SA
helpline: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hours)
email: jo@samaritans.org
web: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans provides a confidential 24-hour telephone helpline, and you can also drop in at most Samaritan centres during the day or evening. They offer a compassionate and non-judgmental listening ear to anyone in emotional distress.
Victim Support
Victim Supportline, Hannibal House, Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, London SE1 6TB
Victim Supportline: 0845 30 30 900 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat and Sun 9am-7pm)
tel: (office): 020 7268 0200
email: supportline@victimsupport.org.uk
web: www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support is a charity that provides support and information to people affected by crime, including rape and sexual abuse, as a victim or a witness. The website provides details of local support branches.
The organisations below can help you find a suitably qualified counsellor.
Also see Mind's booklets:
Understanding talking treatments
Making sense of counselling
British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
24-27 White Lion Street, London N1 9PD
tel: 020 7686 4216
email: info@baat.org
web: www.baat.org
Art therapy can be a useful way to explore and express the many feelings associated with child sexual abuse, including anger. BAAT can give details of therapists in your area.
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
tel. 0161 797 4484
web: www.babcp.com
Full directory of psychotherapists available on the website
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP House, 15 St John's Business Park, Lutterworth LE17 4HB
tel: 01455 883 316 (for people looking for a suitable counsellor)
email: bacp@bacp.co.uk
web: www.bacp.co.uk
Use the website to search online for a therapist, or write for a list of local practitioners, enclosing an A5 stamped addressed envelope.
Nafsiyat
262 Holloway Road, London N7 6NE
tel. 020 7686 8666
web: www.nafsiyat.org.uk
An inter-cultural therapy centre
Relate
tel. 0300 100 1234
web: www.relate.org.uk
Local counselling for adults with relationship difficulties
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
tel. 020 7014 9955
web: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
Professional body with a voluntary register of psychotherapists. Also deals with complaints against member organisations and therapists
DABS Pathfinder Service
69 Woodberry Way, Walton On The Naze CO14 8EW
helpline: 01255 675 351 (9am-9pm daily although it may be necessary to leave a message)
email: via website
web: www.dabspathfinder.org
This service for survivors of childhood abuse, incest and rape aims to help you find specialist help and counselling in your area. Useful pack and website.