Full list of specialist support services

This page lists services based in the UK.  If you are working or studying outside of the UK at the moment and would like some guidance finding specialist support services near you, please contact:

The Havens: specialist centres in London for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. Urgent advice/appointments (24/7) – 020 3299 6900 – https://www.thehavens.org.uk/

The London Survivors Gateway: support to victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse to access specialist services in London. Freephone – 0808 801 0860 – http://survivorsgateway.london/

Rape Crisis: Specialist support, information and helpline.  Find your nearest centre, in England and Wales at https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/find-a-rape-crisis-centre/ or call
0808 802 9999

East London Rape Crisis (run by nia): free, confidential specialist help for women and girls (over the age of 14) who have been raped or experienced any other form of sexual violence, whatever the assault and whenever it occurred – 0800 160 1036 –  https://niaendingviolence.org.uk/

Survivors UK: specialist support service for those who identify as male, trans, non-binary, have identified as male in the past, and have experienced sexual violence and/or abuse. They have an online/text/whatsapp helpline service: https://www.survivorsuk.org/ways-we-can-help/online-helpline/

Solace Rape Crisis:   work with women and girls over the age of 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any point in their lives. They have support workers across Central and North London.  Helpline -  0808 8010305, Email -  rapecrisis@solacewomensaid.org 

Male Survivors' Partnership: Support for male survivors of sexual offences.  Their helpline is available on 0808 800 5005 and there is also a text service and online chat function available via Safeline here.

Galop: specialist LGBTQI+ support and advice to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.  They also support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system – 020 7704 2040 – https://www.galop.org.uk/

The Survivors Trust: The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men and children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse - 08088010818 - The Survivors Trust   

Revenge Porn Helpline: UK helpline supporting adults who are victims of image based abuse and who have had their intimate images and videos shared without their consent, or when someone is threatening to do this – 0345 600 0459 (10.00am-4.00pm, Monday to Friday) – https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/

DeafHope: domestic and sexual violence service for deaf communities. http://www.deaf-hope.org

Respond: support for people with a learning disability, autism or both who are victims of sexual abuse - 020 7380 8257 - Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) Service | Respond 

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): the UK’s leading national charity offering information and support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect – 0808 801 0331 (10am-9pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-6pm on Fridays) – https://napac.org.uk/about/

One in Four: specialises in supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and particularly survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. Counselling, groups, advocacy, and resources and practical exercises for support – https://www.oneinfour.org.uk/for-survivors/

Women and Girls Network: sexual violence helpline and gender-based violence counselling in some boroughs (including Tower Hamlets) – 020 7610 4678 – http://www.wgn.org.uk

Solace Women’s Aid: free and confidential Advice service offering specialist short term support (up to a month) to women affected by domestic and sexual violence living in London. Provides immediate advice to women across all levels of risk and can refer on to our other services such as refuge accommodation, longer term advocacy support, counselling or specialist children’s services – 0808 802 556 – https://www.solacewomensaid.org/advice-support

Chinese Information and Advice Centre (CIAC): part of the ASCENT consortium to provide linguist and culturally sensitive services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and abuse – 0300 201 1868 – https://ciac.co.uk/our-services/women-and-children-support/

Ashiana: refuges, advocacy and counselling, which specialises in helping Black and Minority Ethnic women, in particular, women from South Asian, Turkish & Iranian communities who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, as well as women and girls who have experienced any form of Harmful Practice including forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation: http://ashiana.org.uk/about

Women’s Trust: free counselling and therapy (including support groups and workshops) for female survivors of domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of domestic abuse –  020 7034 0303 –  https://womanstrust.org.uk/

Report it to stop it: support to report unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport – text 61016 or call 101 – https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/safety/report-it-to-stop-it

TUC Advice: for staff who have experienced sexual harassment at work – https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/Protection_From_Sexual_Harassment_2017.pdf

Hollaback!: a movement to end harassment in public spaces powered by local activists – https://ldn.ihollaback.org/

Safe and the City: a personal safety navigation app to route, share and rate your walks – https://www.safeandthecity.com/faq/#vision

Rights of Women: legal information sheets including on reporting sexual offences to the Police, Revenge Pornography, and the law with regard to sexual offences against children and young people – https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/violence-against-women-and-international-law/

National Domestic Violence Helpline (run by Refuge – https://www.refuge.org.uk/ and Women’s Aid – https://www.womensaid.org.uk/): available 24 hours, 365 days a year and can give anonymous advice/information and provide access to refuge space and support services – 0808 2000 247.

The Bright Sky app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.  It offers a UK-wide directory of specialist domestic abuse support services with contact details and is available in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Polish. https://www.hestia.org/brightsky 

Victim Support Tower Hamlets: provides free and confidential practical and emotional support to high-risk victims of domestic violence, including advocacy, referral and information. The domestic violence does not have to have been reported to the police – 0207 364 2448/7957 – 0808 1689 111 (‘Supportline’ – 24 hr) – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/london/east-london

Faith Regen Foundation: a multi-faith, BAME led charity offering services to women affected by VAWG which include: support from a Domestic Violence worker, confidence building workshops, careers guidance, work experience opportunities, ESOL training and accredited vocational training Support is offered primarily to women currently experiencing abuse who are assessed as low to medium risk and those who have experienced VAWG in the past – 0207 650 3043 – www.thefrf.org

Hestia provide support in 21 refuges across 10 London boroughs for people affected by domestic violence.  Please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 if you need a refuge space. https://www.hestia.org/domestic-abuse 

Men’s Advice Line: helpline for male victims of domestic violence – 0808 801 0327 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) – http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/

Galop: specialist LGBTQI+ support and advice to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.  They also support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system – 020 7704 2040 – https://www.galop.org.uk/

DV Assist: help with obtaining Non-Molestation Orders (injunctions), Prohibited Steps Orders, and Occupation Orders – call free on 0800 195 8699 – https://www.dvassist.org.uk/

Rights of Women: legal information sheets on a range of issues, including injunctions and navigating the criminal justice system – http://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/violence-against-women-and-international-law/

Jewish Women’s Aid: specialist service with a helpline and counselling. The JWA helpline – 0808 801 0500 (9.30am–9.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) – http://www.jwa.org.uk/ 

Latin American Women’s Rights Service: offers advice, advocacy and practical support to Latin American women who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Violence, Harmful practices or any other form of violence – 020 7324 9805 or 020 7324 9808 – http://www.lawrs.org.uk/services/violence-against-women-and-girls 

Chinese Information and Advice Centre (CIAC): part of the ASCENT consortium to provide linguist and culturally sensitive services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and abuse – 0300 201 1868 – https://ciac.co.uk/our-services/women-and-children-support/

Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC): domestic violence and advocacy services available in five community languages (Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu) – 020 8961 6549/ 5701 – http://www.asianwomencentre.org.uk/our-services

Ashiana: refuges, advocacy and counselling, which specialises in helping Black and Minority Ethnic women, in particular, women from South Asian, Turkish & Iranian communities who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, as well as women and girls who have experienced any form of Harmful Practice including forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation: http://ashiana.org.uk/about

IKWRO: specialist support (including counselling) to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of  ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence – 0207 920 6460 (Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30), For out-of-hours emergencies call: Kurdish / Arabic/English: 07846 275246, Farsi / Dari / English: 07846 310157 http://ikwro.org.uk/about-us/

DeafHope: domestic and sexual violence service for deaf communities. http://www.deaf-hope.org

Women and Girls Network: specialist gender-based violence counselling in some boroughs (including Tower Hamlets) – 020 7610 4678 – http://www.wgn.org.uk/

Solace Women’s Aid: free and confidential Advice service offering specialist short term support (up to a month) to women affected by domestic and sexual violence living in London. Provides immediate advice to women across all levels of risk and can refer on to our other services such as refuge accommodation, longer term advocacy support, counselling or specialist children’s services – 0808 802 556 – https://www.solacewomensaid.org/advice-support

Women’s Trust: free counselling and therapy (including support groups and workshops) for female survivors of domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of domestic abuse – 020 7034 0303 –  https://womanstrust.org.uk/

Galop: specialist LGBTQI+ support and advice to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.  They also support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system – 020 7704 2040 – https://www.galop.org.uk/

Forced Marriage Unit: Government help and support line: 020 7008 0151, From overseas: +44 (0)20 7008 0151 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm), Out of hours: 020 7008 1500 (ask for the Global Response Centre) or email fmu@fco.gov.uk – www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage

Karma Nirvana: support for victims of ‘honour’-based violence and forced marriage – 0800 5999 247 (Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm) – https://karmanirvana.org.uk/ 

IKWRO: specialist support (including counselling) to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of  ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence – 0207 920 6460 (Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30), For out-of-hours emergencies call: Kurdish / Arabic/English: 07846 275246, Farsi / Dari / English: 07846 310157 http://ikwro.org.uk/about-us/

Ashiana: refuges, advocacy and counselling, which specialises in helping Black and Minority Ethnic women, in particular, women from South Asian, Turkish & Iranian communities who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, as well as women and girls who have experienced any form of Harmful Practice including forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation: http://ashiana.org.uk/about

IMECE Women’s Centre: specialist support for Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) women, particularly Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriot women. Support in Tower Hamlets (and other boroughs) in Ending Harmful Practices: providing specialist intensive 1-1 services on different forms of Harmful Practices such as Forced Marriage, ‘Honour’ Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Dowry related violence, and other forms of Harmful Practices – 020 7354 1359 – http://imece.org.uk/services/violence-against-women/ascent/

Asha: a South Asian organisation that works to end violence against women and girls. Can offer confidential advice and information to any South Asian woman who is experiencing violence, or is worried about someone they know. They also offer secure, temporary accommodation – 0208 696 0023 or email admin@asha.org.uk – http://www.ashaprojects.org.uk/

Freedom Charity: aims to brings awareness, help and support with regards to forced marriage, dishonour based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM).  Their helpline is available on 0845 607 0133. They also offer text message support - text the words 4freedom: to 88802.  The Freedom Charity App offers help, assistance and instruction to anyone at risk of or affected by Female Genital Mutilation, dishonour-based violence and forced marriages. https://www.freedomcharity.org.uk/

Latin American Women’s Rights Service: offers advice, advocacy and practical support to Latin American women who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Violence, Harmful practices or any other form of violence – Tel: 02073249805 or 020 7324 9808 –  http://www.lawrs.org.uk/services/violence-against-women-and-girls/

Rights of Women: legal information sheets on a range of issues, including Forced Marriage and the law: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/forced-marriage-law/

National Stalking Helpline: offers information and guidance to anybody in the UK who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking through a freephone number and email facility – 0808 802 0300 (09:30-16:00 weekdays except for Wednesdays when it is open 13:00-16:00. The Helpline is not open on bank holidays) – www.stalkinghelpline.org

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust: stalking information and support service – https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/anti-stalking

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service: a trauma-informed service established to assist high risk victims of stalking. Accredited Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs) ensure that victims of stalking are supported and that a coordinated community response is developed locally to keep victims and their children safe –  020 3866 4107 – http://paladinservice.co.uk/

Protection Against Stalking: information and advice – http://www.protectionagainststalking.org/ 

FORWARD: specialist Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) support service: http://forwarduk.org.uk/what-we-do/at-risk-of-fgm/

Women’s Health and Family Service: support in Tower Hamlets – 020 7377 8725 – http://whfs.org.uk/index.php/what-we-do

Ocean’s Somali Community Association (OSCA): community organisation who help raise awareness of FGM and provide information to those from the Somali community – 020 7987 5833 or 020 7537 7254 – http://www.oceansomali.org.uk/

Ashiana: refuges, advocacy and counselling which specialises in helping Black and Minority Ethnic women, in particular, women from South Asian, Turkish & Iranian communities who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, as well as women and girls who have experienced any form of Harmful Practice including forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation: http://ashiana.org.uk/about

Freedom Charity: aims to brings awareness, help and support with regards to forced marriage, dishonour based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM).  Their helpline is available on 0845 607 0133. They also offer text message support - text the words 4freedom: to 88802.  The Freedom Charity App offers help, assistance and instruction to anyone at risk of or affected by Female Genital Mutilation, dishonour-based violence and forced marriages. https://www.freedomcharity.org.uk/

IKWRO: specialist support (including counselling) to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of  ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence – 0207 920 6460 (Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30), For out-of-hours emergencies call: Kurdish / Arabic/English: 07846 275246, Farsi / Dari / English: 07846 310157 http://ikwro.org.uk/about-us/

IMECE Women’s Centre: specialist support for Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) women, particularly Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriot women. Support in Tower Hamlets (and other boroughs) in Ending Harmful Practices: providing specialist intensive 1-1 services on different forms of Harmful Practices such as Forced Marriage, ‘Honour’ Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Dowry related violence, and other forms of Harmful Practices – 020 7354 1359 – http://imece.org.uk/services/violence-against-women/ascent/

NSPCC FGM helpline: if you are worried a child is at risk of, or is a victim of, FGM contact the anonymously 24/7 helpline: 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/get-advice-and-support/

Respect: helpline for perpetrators of domestic violence – 0808 802 4040 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and webchat available Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-4pm) – http://respect.uk.net/

Domestic Violence Intervention Project: perpetrator programmes for men who want to change their abusive behaviour (can self-refer) –  https://dvip.org/services-for-men-women/mens-services/

Women and Girls Network: specialist gender-based violence counselling in some boroughs (including Tower Hamlets) – 020 7610 4678 – http://www.wgn.org.uk/

Women’s Trust: free counselling and therapy (including support groups and workshops) for female survivors of domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and other forms of domestic abuse – 020 7034 0303 –  https://womanstrust.org.uk/

IKWRO: specialist support (including counselling) to Middle Eastern and Afghan women and girls who are at risk of  ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence –  0207 920 6460 (Mon to Fri 9.30-5.30), For out-of-hours emergencies call: Kurdish / Arabic/English: 07846 275246, Farsi / Dari / English: 07846 310157 – http://ikwro.org.uk/about-us/

One in Four: specialises in supporting survivors of sexual violence and abuse, and particularly survivors of child sexual abuse and trauma. Counselling, groups, advocacy, and resources and practical exercises for support – https://www.oneinfour.org.uk/for-survivors/

Hate Crime:

Tower Hamlets Serious Violent/Hate Crime project: offers support to high-risk victims of serious violent/hate crime – 020 7364 7970/7797 (9.30am 4.30pm, Monday to Friday) –https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/london/east-london

Stop Hate UK:  Stop Hate UK is one of the leading national organisations working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity – https://www.stophateuk.org/

Real disability action against hate crime: Real is a registered third party reporting centre to assist those who’ve experienced disability related hate incidents. They can explain all the reporting options available to you, so you are in control of the choices you make –020 7001 2177 or email disabilityhatecrime@real.org.uk – http://www.real.org.uk/get-support/hatecrime/

Galop: specialist LGBTQI+ support and advice to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.  They also support lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people who have had problems with the police or have questions about the criminal justice system – 020 7704 2040 – https://www.galop.org.uk/

Tell MAMA: a portal where you may address your concerns and record any incident that you experience as a result of your Muslim faith or someone perceiving you to be Muslim. By using their ‘Submit a Report‘ section, you can describe the details of any abuse suffered, whether verbal or physical, and then add in the location of the attack so that they can effectively map incidents across England. They can also refer you for support through partner agencies if you have been a victim of an Anti-Muslim incident – https://tellmamauk.org/about-us/.  Tell MAMA on 0800 456 1226, or via WhatsApp 0734 184 6086

Community Security Trust (CST) is a charity that supports British Jews who have faced antisemitism.   For anti-semitic incidents you can call CST on 0208 457 9999 or report online.

True Vision: A national scheme supported by all police forces in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland providing information to the public about what hate crime is and the ways you can report it. You can also report hate crimes through the website using the online form. 

The National Bullying Helpline: 0845 22 55 787 – https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/contact.html

ACAS: Bullying and harassment at work, Guidance for employees – http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=797

Bullying UK (part of Family Lives): provides information and advice on bullying at University and at work – https://www.bullying.co.uk/general-advice/bullying-at-university/ https://www.bullying.co.uk/bullying-at-work/

Ditch the Label: one of the largest anti-bullying charities in the world. Their mission is to combat bullying by tackling the root issues and to support young people aged 12-25 who are impacted. You can talk to them about bullying, but also about things that are connected such as body image, mental health and sexuality via their online forum –https://www.ditchthelabel.org/

Citizens Advice: provides information on bullying and harassment – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/discrimination-at-work/checking-if-its-discrimination/if-youre-being-harassed-or-bullied-at-work/

Victim Support: for all victims of crimes (including Anti-Social Behaviour and Harassment) – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/london/east-london

Victim Support: for all victims of crime. You can call the Supportline for free on 0808 1689 111 and they have online support too – https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/london/east-london

Law Centres Network: for free legal advice on a range of issues – http://www.lawcentres.org.uk/

Tower Hamlets Citizens Advice (available in other boroughs too): offering advice around welfare benefits, debt, employment, housing, immigration and other generalist advice etc. – 020 7247 1050 – http://www.eastendcab.org.uk/tower-hamlets/

Brook: sexual health and wellbeing service for young people under 25. They offer sexual health screening, contraception, pregnancy testing and wellbeing support -  Brook – Healthy lives for young people