Domestic abuse is not just physical violence. It is any type of abuse from someone you have (or have had) a relationship with, including economic, emotional, sexual or mental abuse.
Abusive behaviour includes acting in a controlling, coercive or threatening manner; typical actions might include taking your money, stopping you seeing your friends and family, or threatening your children or pets.
Domestic abuse is a crime that can affect anyone. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Interpreting and translation services
If English is not your first language or you need someone to help you understand this content, read about our interpreting and translation services.
You can also use the accessibility tools linked at the top of the page to translate it into many languages.
Safe internet use
Use the above button if you need to leave this page quickly, but be aware that it will not clear your browser history.
Cover your tracks online
If you are living with an abusive partner, you might be worried about that person knowing that you are accessing help.
There are a number of things you can do to hide your internet use – read Women’s Aid’s advice on how to cover your tracks online.
- Most modern web browsers offer a private-browsing option that will not keep a record of which sites you visit or what you download: search for ‘private browsing’ and the name of your browser.
- If you cannot use private browsing, clear your browser’s history after searching for sensitive information: search for ‘delete history’ and the name of your browser.
- You might also want to turn off auto-complete in your browser to make sure words you type into the browser do not appear when other people type similar words: search for ‘turn off auto complete’ and the name of your browser.
If you’re still unsure how to cover your tracks while using the internet, we strongly recommend that you access this content at a trusted friend or relative’s house. You can also use a free computer point – phone us on 01223 457000 to find out where you can do this.
Doing this makes it easier for you to view the websites of the organisations listed below and to send them emails if you do not want to speak over the phone or meet in person.
Where to find help
- Read the Home Office’s Domestic Abuse Act factsheet
- Read the Home Office’s guidance on domestic violence and abuse
- Read Refuge’s advice about planning to leave home
Housing Advice Service
Our Housing Advice Service can help if you are living with domestic abuse.
We can help you prepare to leave and find a refuge, or we can help you secure your home so you can stay there safely.
We can advise on tenancy issues – including occupation orders, joint tenancies and homelessness – and can put you in touch with other organisations (some of which are listed below) that provide support and legal advice.
Safe Spaces
Some pharmacies and banks across the UK are offering to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse.
You can go to any of the locations listed at the link above and ask to use their Safe Space.
The room will contain all the information you need, and provide a sanctuary to make relevant calls.
Other useful information
The following websites provide information, advice and support to people affected by domestic abuse. Most have a telephone helpline.
- The Angels Foundation – practical support for domestic abuse survivors and their families
- The Bobby Scheme – making homes safer
- Cambridgeshire Deaf Association
- Cambridge Rape Crisis
- Cambridge Women’s Aid
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Partnership – see also their information for friends and family
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust – support for mental health
- Cats Protection Fostering Service
- Childline – support for children
- Choices Counselling – for adult survivors of child sexual abuse
- Digital Tech Safety
- Discrimination and harassment
- Dogs Trust Fostering Service
- Domestic Abuse National Helpline
- Domestic Abuse and Support Service (DASS)
- The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) NSPCC helpline – for support and advice to help keep children and young people safe from FGM
- Female genital mutilation (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Children Partnership Board)
- Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (Forward) – supporting African women and girls
- Galop (for LGBT+ people)
- Hourglass – for older people
- Jewish Women’s Aid
- Karma Nirvana (for victims of honour crimes and forced marriages)
- Life After Abuse – support for female survivors of domestic abuse in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. Email info@mcfw.co.uk
- Loving Me – specialist service for transgender and non-binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence who are aged 18 and older
- Men’s Advice Line
- Muslim Women’s Network UK
- National Stalking Helpline
- One Voice for Travellers – help and information for survivors of violence within the travelling community
- PEG Support - for child to parent abuse
- Refuge (for women)
- Respect – help for perpetrators
- Restored – International Christian alliance offering help and information for supporting survivors within the Christian faith
- Revenge Porn Helpline – you can also phone 0345 6000 459
- Samaritans – Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Sikh Helpline
- Surviving Economic Abuse
- Survivors UK - Specialist service for male and non-binary survivors aged 13+ who have experienced sexual violence
- Modern slavery and human trafficking – advice from Cambridgeshire Constabulary
- Traveller Movement
- Victim Services – victim and witness hub with support directory
Legal advice is available from several sources, including:
White Ribbon and DAHA accreditation
We have achieved White Ribbon status since 2015 and accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) since 2019.
