Getting Help for Domestic or Sexual Abuse

Understand your legal rights, what counts as abuse, and how to get immediate help and protection — even if you can’t afford legal fees.

If someone is hurting, threatening, or controlling you — at home, at work, or in a relationship — it’s not your fault. Abuse can happen to anyone, and you have the right to feel safe and get protection. In the UK, there are free, confidential ways to get help — even if you can’t pay a lawyer or are worried about being found out.

What Counts as Domestic or Sexual Abuse?

Abuse isn’t always physical. It can include emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological control that makes you feel afraid, trapped, or powerless.

Examples include:

Hitting, pushing, or threats of violence

Forcing or pressuring you into sex

Controlling where you go or who you talk to

Taking your money or isolating you from friends or family

Constant criticism, humiliation, or manipulation

Monitoring your phone or messages

If any of this feels familiar — even just once — you deserve support and safety.

Your Legal Rights in the UK

The law protects you under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003. You have the right to:

Call the police if you’re in danger — they can issue a Domestic Violence Protection Notice (DVPN) or Protection Order (DVPO).

Apply for a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order to keep an abuser away from you or your home.

Get free legal aid in domestic or sexual abuse cases — even if you have low income or savings.

You can check if you qualify for legal aid at www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid.

If You’re in Immediate Danger

Call 999 (emergency).

If you can’t speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted to signal you need help.

If you can safely get online, you can chat anonymously with Lawgality’s confidential chatbot for guidance and safe next steps.

How Lawgality Can Help

Lawgality offers a free, anonymous legal help chatbot — open 24/7. You don’t need to share your name, phone number, or location. Just describe what’s happening in your own words, and the chatbot will:

Listen and guide you safely

Explain your legal rights

Connect you with organisations that can help immediately

Help you plan what to do next — at your pace

💬 Start Anonymous Chat

🤝 Trusted UK Organisations That Can Help

Domestic abuse (women & children)

Refuge24/7 helpline, emergency housing, emotional and legal support

Domestic abuse (anyone)

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247Free, confidential support day and night

Sexual assault or rape

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Specialist counselling and legal information

LGBTQ+ abuse or violence

Support for LGBTQ+ victims of domestic and sexual abuse

Male victims

Mankind InitiativeHelpline and advocacy for male survivors

Legal & housing help

ShelterFree legal clinics, housing and safety advice

If You’re Worried About Being Tracked

Use a safe device if possible (library, friend’s phone).

Clear your browser history after searching for help.

Click the “Quick Exit” button on our site to instantly switch to a neutral page (like BBC Weather).

Don’t save passwords or bookmarks related to help sites.

Your safety always comes first.

You Deserve Support and a Safe Future

Reaching out for help is one of the hardest — and bravest — things you can do. You have the right to live without fear, and there are people and organisations ready to stand with you every step of the way.

💬 Chat Anonymously Now — free, private, and available 24/7.

Disclaimer

Lawgality offers unregulated legal services in England and Wales and is not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Information provided is for general guidance only and not a substitute for independent legal advice.