Domestic Abuse Support UK: Help & Resources

Domestic Abuse Support: You Are Not Alone

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, domestic abuse support is available. You are not alone, and help is accessible.

Domestic abuse affects people of all backgrounds, genders, ages, and relationships. According to Women's Aid, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.

This page provides information about domestic abuse support services and explains how domestic abuse affects family mediation.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse includes:

Physical Abuse

• Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking
• Throwing objects
• Using weapons
• Preventing you from leaving

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

• Constant criticism
• Humiliation
• Threats
• Gaslighting (making you doubt reality)
• Isolation from friends and family

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that takes away your freedom:

• Controlling finances
• Monitoring movements
• Controlling who you see
• Making all decisions
• Using children to control you
• Threats and intimidation

Coercive control is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015.

Financial Abuse

• Controlling access to money
• Preventing you from working
• Running up debts in your name
• Forcing you to account for spending

Sexual Abuse

• Any sexual activity without consent
• Coercion or pressure
• Reproductive control

Domestic Abuse Support Services UK

These organisations provide domestic abuse support:

National Helplines

| Service | Contact | Who It Helps | |---------|---------|--------------| | National Domestic Abuse Helpline | 0808 2000 247 | Women experiencing abuse | | Men's Advice Line | 0808 801 0327 | Men experiencing abuse | | Galop | 0800 999 5428 | LGBT+ people | | Karma Nirvana | 0800 5999 247 | Honour-based abuse | | Respect | 0808 802 4040 | For people using abusive behaviour |

Websites for Domestic Abuse Support

• Women's Aid: womensaid.org.uk
• Refuge: refuge.org.uk
• Men's Advice Line: mensadviceline.org.uk
• Victim Support: victimsupport.org.uk
• Cafcass: cafcass.gov.uk

Local Domestic Abuse Support

Local domestic abuse support services include:

• Refuges and safe accommodation
• Outreach workers
• IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors)
• Children's services
• Support groups

Find local services at womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory.

Domestic Abuse and MIAM Exemptions

If you have experienced domestic abuse, you may be exempt from attending a MIAM before applying to family court.

Evidence Accepted for MIAM Exemption

According to Gov.uk, accepted evidence includes:

• Court orders: Non-molestation order, occupation order, restraining order
• Police: Report, caution, charge, conviction
• Professional letters: From GP, health visitor, refuge, IDVA, social worker
• MARAC: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference referral
• Bail conditions: Related to domestic abuse

Evidence is typically required from the last 5 years.

See our full guide on MIAM exemptions.

Applying to Court with Domestic Abuse

If you have a MIAM exemption, you can:

1. Complete the C100 form noting your exemption
2. Provide evidence of domestic abuse
3. Apply directly to family court
4. Skip the MIAM requirement

Domestic Abuse and Family Mediation

Should I Mediate If There's Been Abuse?

Mediation is generally not appropriate where there is:

• Ongoing domestic abuse
• Coercive control
• Significant power imbalance
• Fear of the other party
• Risk of harm

Shuttle Mediation Option

If you choose to try mediation despite a history of abuse:

• Request shuttle mediation (separate rooms)
• Ensure the mediator knows about the abuse
• You can stop at any time
• Your safety comes first

Legal Aid for Domestic Abuse

If you have evidence of domestic abuse, you automatically qualify for:

• Free mediation (if you choose to mediate)
• Legal aid for family court
• Solicitor support

Protecting Yourself and Children

Immediate Safety

If you need immediate domestic abuse support:

• Emergency: Call 999
• Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Refuge: Contact Women's Aid for safe accommodation

Legal Protection

Court orders for protection:

• Non-molestation order: Prevents harassment/abuse
• Occupation order: Determines who can live in the home
• Restraining order: Following criminal conviction

These can be obtained quickly, sometimes within hours in emergencies.

Safety Planning

Domestic abuse support services can help you create a safety plan:

• Safe places to go
• Important documents to keep
• Emergency contacts
• Money and essentials
• Children's safety

Domestic Abuse Support for Children

Children affected by domestic abuse need support too:

• Childline: 0800 1111
• NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
• Cafcass: Represents children in court
• Local children's services

Many domestic abuse support organisations offer children's workers and family support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to attend mediation if there is domestic abuse?

No. If you have evidence of domestic abuse, you can claim a MIAM exemption and apply directly to family court without attending mediation. Your safety comes first.

What if I don't have evidence of abuse?

Contact a domestic abuse support service for advice. They can help you document abuse and may provide letters for MIAM exemptions. Your word matters - speak to professionals who can help.

Will reporting domestic abuse affect my children?

Reporting abuse and accessing domestic abuse support helps protect your children. Courts recognise that domestic abuse harms children even if not directly targeted. Getting support is the right thing to do.

Can men access domestic abuse support?

Yes. The Men's Advice Line (0808 801 0327) provides domestic abuse support specifically for men. Domestic abuse affects all genders.

Summary: Domestic Abuse Support

| Need | Contact | |------|---------| | Emergency | 999 | | National Helpline | 0808 2000 247 | | Men's Advice Line | 0808 801 0327 | | LGBT+ Support | 0800 999 5428 | | Children | 0800 1111 (Childline) |

Next Steps

1. If in danger - Call 999 or the helpline
2. Seek support - Contact a domestic abuse service
3. Know your rights - You may be exempt from MIAM
4. Legal protection - Consider court orders
5. Safety plan - Work with support services

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Official Resources

For authoritative information on domestic abuse support and legal protection:

Legislation

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021 - Statutory definition and protections
• Section 1 - Definition of Abuse - Five categories of abusive behaviour
• Serious Crime Act 2015 Section 76 - Coercive control offence
• Family Law Act 1996 Part IV - Non-molestation and occupation orders
• Children Act 1989 - Child protection provisions

Government Guidance

• GOV.UK - Domestic Abuse - Official government help guide
• GOV.UK - Apply for Injunction - Court order applications
• GOV.UK - MIAM Exemptions - Evidence requirements
• Home Office DA Guidance - Policy and statutory guidance

National Support Services

• Women's Aid - Support for women and children
• Refuge - Safe accommodation and helpline
• Men's Advice Line - Support for male victims
• Galop - LGBT+ domestic abuse support
• Karma Nirvana - Honour-based abuse helpline
• Respect - For those using harmful behaviour
• Victim Support - Crime victim support charity

Children's Services

• Childline - Free helpline for children: 0800 1111
• NSPCC - Child protection charity
• Cafcass - Represents children in family courts
• Operation Encompass - School-police partnership

Court and Legal

• Family Court Guide - Find your local family court
• C100 Application Form - Child arrangements order
• FL401 Non-Molestation Order - Protection order application
• Legal Aid Agency - Means testing and eligibility

Mediation Bodies

• Family Mediation Council - National mediation standards
• FMC Mediator Search - Find accredited mediators
• Resolution - Family law professionals

Further Support

• Citizens Advice - Domestic Abuse - Practical advice
• Rights of Women - Free legal advice
• Surviving Economic Abuse - Financial abuse support
• Safe Lives - Domestic abuse research and resources