People experiencing domestic abuse are often expected to make difficult decisions while frightened, exhausted or overwhelmed. They may be dealing with the police, court proceedings, housing difficulties, financial pressure, concerns about their children and the continuing effects of the abuse, all at the same time.
Yet many victims do not know how much support may be available to them.
This article introduces some of the principal sources of support available in England and Wales. The appropriate support will depend on the person’s circumstances and the type of proceedings involved.
Support through the police
If domestic abuse is reported to the police, the police should not only investigate possible criminal offences. They should also consider the victim’s immediate safety, assess their needs and provide information about available support.
Under the Victims’ Code, victims of crime have the right to be referred to services that support victims. They may also contact support services directly. A person’s support needs should be assessed so that the assistance offered can be adapted to their circumstances.
Depending on the police force and the individual case, support may include contact with a specialist domestic-abuse officer, a safeguarding team or an independent domestic violence adviser. The names and arrangements vary between areas, so victims can ask the officer dealing with their case:
Who is responsible for keeping me informed?
Has a needs or risk assessment been completed?
Can I be referred to a specialist domestic-abuse service?
What support is available if I need to give evidence?
Who should I contact if my circumstances or level of risk changes?
In an emergency, call 999. If you are calling from a mobile but cannot speak, listen to the operator and press 55 when prompted so that the call can be transferred to the police.
Independent support outside the police
A victim does not have to rely exclusively on the police for support. Independent organisations can provide confidential emotional and practical assistance, including safety planning, refuge accommodation, advocacy and information about housing, finances and court processes.
A person can contact these organisations even if they have not reported the abuse to the police:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge: 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day.
Victim Support: 0808 16 89 111, with a free and confidential Supportline available 24 hours a day.
Women’s Aid: provides information, online support and a directory of local domestic-abuse services.
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327, providing specialist support to male victims of domestic abuse.
Live Fear Free: 0808 80 10 800, for people in Wales.
Local domestic-abuse organisations may also provide an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser, commonly known as an IDVA. An IDVA may help a victim understand their options, communicate with agencies and plan for their safety. The adviser is independent and does not replace a solicitor or give legal representation.
Support when attending court
Going to court can be intimidating, particularly when the alleged abuser will also be present.
The Witness Service provides free and independent practical and emotional support to prosecution and defence witnesses attending criminal courts in England and Wales. It can explain what to expect, show a witness around the court before the hearing where possible, and provide support on the day.
Domestic-abuse victims may also be eligible for measures intended to help them participate in proceedings or give evidence. Depending on the court, the case and the person’s needs, these can include:
giving evidence from behind a screen;
using a live video link;
receiving assistance from an intermediary;
arrangements intended to prevent unwanted contact at court;
additional support connected with vulnerability or intimidation.
Eligibility does not always mean that a particular measure will be granted automatically. The court determines which arrangements are necessary and appropriate in the individual case. Victims should raise their concerns as early as possible with the police, prosecutor, solicitor, court staff or supporting organisation.
Different procedural rules apply in criminal, family and civil proceedings. A person should therefore ask what protection and participation arrangements are available in the particular court dealing with their case.
You are allowed to ask what support is available
Victims are often given large amounts of information at a time when they are least able to process it. Some people are never clearly told what support exists, who is responsible for arranging it or whether they can seek help independently.
If you are going through a domestic-abuse case, you are allowed to ask questions. You can ask for information to be explained again, request details in writing and ask whether specialist or independent support is available.
Support is not limited to the investigation of an offence. It may also involve personal safety, emotional well-being, giving evidence, attending court, finding emergency accommodation and understanding what will happen next.
Knowing that support exists does not remove the difficulty of the situation. But it can mean that a victim does not have to face every part of that situation alone.
Important information: This article provides general public legal information for England and Wales. It is not legal advice and does not assess any individual case. Services, eligibility requirements and court arrangements can change. Information should be checked with the relevant organisation or official source.
Official starting points
