Domestic abuse support

The government acknowledges that coronavirus household isolation instructions can cause anxiety for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic abuse. There is never an excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what the circumstances are.

Household isolation instructions as a result of coronavirus do not apply if you need to leave your home to escape domestic abuse.

If you feel at risk of abuse, there is help and support available to you, including the police, online support, helplines and refuges. You can find more information about these and other services here. On this page there are translated materials available and the signs to look out for.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

• coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• economic abuse
• online abuse
• threats and intimidation
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can:

• Call Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247
• Visit the helpline website to access further information, a contact form and the live chat service.
• If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.