In an emergency

If you’re in immediate danger

Call 999

If someone is:

• Physically attacking you
• Threatening you with a weapon
• About to cause serious harm
• In your home and you’re afraid

Call 999 and ask for police.

If you can’t speak

If you call 999 but can’t speak (because your abuser is nearby), you can use the Silent Solution:

1. Call 999
2. Listen to the questions
3. If you can, press 55 when prompted
4. This tells the operator it’s a genuine emergency
5. Stay on the line – they may be able to hear what’s happening
6. Make noise if you can (tap the phone, cough)

From a landline: if you don’t press 55 and stay silent, the call will be transferred to an automated system. Press 55 or stay on the line and make noise.

Text to 999

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or can’t make a voice call, you can text 999. You must register first at: emergencysms.net

When police arrive

• Tell them what happened
• Show any injuries
• Point out any damage
• Give them the abuser’s details if known
• Ask about your options (arrest, protective orders)
• You can ask for a female officer if preferred

If you’re not in immediate danger but need urgent help

Tonight / today

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7) They can help you find a refuge place tonight if needed.

Local police non-emergency: 101 For reporting abuse that isn’t happening right now.

Your local domestic abuse service: Many have emergency contacts.

Safe places to go

If you need to leave urgently:

• A friend or family member’s house
• A refuge (call the helpline for spaces)
• A hotel (if you have money)
• The police station
• A hospital A&E (if you’re injured)

If children are in danger

Immediate danger

Call 999 if a child is being hurt or about to be hurt.

Concerns about a child

Contact your local children’s social services. You can find them by:

• Calling your local council
• Searching “children’s social services [your area]”

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 (for adults concerned about a child) Childline: 0800 1111 (for children to call)

Mental health emergency

If you or someone else is having a mental health crisis:

Suicidal thoughts or self-harm

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free)
• NHS 111: Press option 2 for mental health crisis
• A&E: Go to hospital if in immediate danger
• Crisis team: If already under mental health services

Can’t keep yourself safe

Go to A&E or call 999.

After an emergency

Get medical attention

If you’ve been hurt:

• A&E for serious injuries
• Walk-in centre or GP for less serious injuries
• Ask for injuries to be documented (photos, medical notes)

Report to police

Even if police came at the time, you can report domestic abuse afterwards:

• Call 101 (non-emergency)
• Visit a police station
• Report online (for some forces)

Get support

• Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• Contact a local domestic abuse service
• See your GP
• Talk to someone you trust

Protect yourself

• Consider a non-molestation order (see legal protections)
• Make a safety plan
• Think about where you’ll stay

Key emergency numbers

If you’re worried about someone else

If you think someone is being abused:

In immediate danger: Call 999

Not immediate:

• Talk to them privately if you can
• Believe them
• Don’t pressure them to leave
• Offer to help them contact support services
• Give them the National Domestic Abuse Helpline number: 0808 2000 247