Help if you are a victim of domestic abuse
If a person you live with or have lived with has abused you – whether physically or not – you could be experiencing domestic abuse. The law can protect you and help you to change your situation.
Domestic abuse is when someone in a close relationship with you behaves in a way that causes you physical, mental, or emotional damage. This doesn’t have to be physical violence. Domestic abuse includes any incident of threatening behaviour. Domestic abuse can be psychological, physical, social, financial or emotional.
Domestic abusers are usually a person’s spouse, partner, ex-spouse, ex-partner or other close family member. Most people affected by domestic abuse are women, but some men are abused by their partners.
Where can I go for help?
If you feel you are being abused, there are organisations that can help you:
- The LiveFearFree helpline is a free, confidential 24 hour helpline run by Welsh Women’s Aid. Call 0808 8010 800. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will not show up on your telephone bill. You can also make contact by email at [email protected]
- Refuge is a charity who support women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Their helpline number is 0808 2000 247 and open 24/7.
- Men experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and is free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK. Men suffering abuse can also contact The Dyn Project in Wales. Their free and confidential helpline can be contacted on 0808 801 0321. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Contact can be made by email at [email protected]. For 24-hour support, call the Live Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
- Stonewall Cymru provides advice and support on a range of issues to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Wales.
- BAWSO provide safe and secure accommodation to Black and Ethnic Minority women and children at risk of or suffering domestic abuse in Wales. Their helpline number is 0800 7318147 and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Hourglass – a charity specifically dedicated to tackling the harm, neglect, abuse and exploitation of older people. Their helpline number is 0808 808 8141 and is open 24/7.
- Childline is a confidential helpline for children and young people experiencing or witnessing abuse run by the NSPCC. The helpline is 0800 11 11 and open 24/7. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and will not appear on phone bills.
- Bright Sky app is a free mobile app that provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship.
- The Public Health Wales website provides further practical advice on how to stay safe, health and wellbeing and links to additional resources.
- Helplines – Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity – Galop: The Galop Helpline is here to offer emotional support, guidance and help to explore what options may be available for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse, or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, so-called “conversion therapy” or any other kind of abuse. You can phone us on 0800 999 5428
- SignHealth: If you are D/deaf or a member of the Hard of Hearing Community and are in an abusive relationship or think you might be, please contact us.
Our domestic abuse and sexual violence advocates can offer support and advice. Text ONLY 07800003421 Email: [email protected] Signed videos Domestic Violence: Domestic Abuse BSL Videos – SignHealth
You might also need to think about whether you should leave your current home, or whether you can stay there and improve safety. The Civil Legal Advice helpline on 0345 345 4 345 is a free legal advice service in England and Wales. You may be able to get free advice on housing, family and other problems if you are eligible for legal aid. The helpline can provide contact details of solicitors in your area who may be able to help you.
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This page was last updated: June 11, 2026
The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.
