Whom to contact for help:
- When facing Domestic Abuse:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you should seek help immediately rather than waiting for an emergency.
- Women can call The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247. This is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day. You can also contact them over live chat. For more details on live chat support, please visit
- Men can call Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or can email to info@mensadviceline.org.uk For more details, please visit
Women’s Aid local support services directory – If you are facing domestic abuse, you can access the Women’s Aid live chat service (7 days a week, 10am – 6pm). Women can email helpline@womensaid.org.uk. Staff will respond to your email within 5 working days.
Women’s Aid have a directory of domestic abuse support services across the UK. For more details please visit here.
Bright Sky app – Bright Sky is a safe, easy to use app and website that provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse. It is for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. This app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. 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. For more details on this, please visit here.
Victim Support – You can contact victim support on 08 08 16 89 111 or you can also avail live chat service. You can also get free online resource (My Support space) that is designed by the independent charity Victim Support to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you. For more details please visit here.
Ask for ANI code word – If you are facing domestic abuse & immediately need, then you can ask for ‘ANI (Action Needed Immediately)’ in a participating pharmacy. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. 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.
To find out additional support & information on whom to contact for help when facing domestic abuse, please visit here.
- Women on spousal visa facing Domestic Abuse:
If you are in the UK on a temporary visa as a partner & your relationship has broken down because of domestic violence and you have no money to support yourself then you can apply a form for destitution domestic violence (DDV) concession.
Form for destitution domestic violence (DDV) concession – This form is for people on a UK partner visa to claim public funds (benefits) while applying to settle in the UK because of domestic violence. You can apply to claim public funds (benefits) for up to 3 months while UK Visas and Immigration considers your application to settle in the UK. You can send this form as soon as your relationship breaks down and you need money. To find out more information about the essential eligibility criteria, application procedure & required documents, please visit here.
- Women with No Recourse to Public funding facing Domestic Abuse:
If you have endured domestic abuse, including economic abuse, there are certain things you can try to do to try to achieve safety even if you have no access to public funds.
Legal aid immigration solicitors – You can consult a respected and knowledgeable immigration counsel or lawyer. They are available to assist you and have knowledge in providing advice to those without access to public funds. If you have experienced abuse and are hesitant to go back home, they can explain your legal rights and how you might be able to apply for the right to remain in the UK. If you are concerned about your immigration status and other factors and require additional support to stay safe, they might be able to put you in touch with a support service for abused immigrant women in the UK.
Southall Black Sisters – By calling their helpline at 0208 571 0800, they may be able to assist you and recommend an immigration advisor (Mon, Weds, Fri, 9.30am– 4.30pm). They also manage a programme that offers short-term financial assistance to those who do not have access to public funds, and they will be able to give advice on how to get the limited other support that is offered to battered women with uncertain immigration status.
Calling Migrant help – You can seek help by calling the Officer of the Immigration Services Commissioner on 0345 000 0046.
Rights of women – Rights of Women run an immigration advice line that you can call on 020 7490 7689 (Mon & Thurs, 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm). It will also advise you on your immigration and support options.
