Developed by domestic abuse charity, IDAS, these 16 stories describe the different ways women and girls experience violence and abuse, as well as support that is available.
1. Technology abuse
Technology-facilitated abuse refers to the everyday “smart” devices and digital systems that can be used by a perpetrator to coerce, monitor and cause harm to a person. It also includes online criminal offenses, such as intimate image abuse and cyberstalking.
Support
Refuge Tech Safety offers guidance for securing electronic devices if there is a risk of technology abuse.
The Cyber Helpline – Free, expert support for victims of cybercrime and online harm.
Revenge Porn Helpline – A UK service supporting people ages 18+ who are experiencing intimate image abuse both online and offline (revenge porn). They can be contacted by phone, email or send them a message via their anonymous reporting form.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline –24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Victim Support provides free, confidential services for anyone in England and Wales who has been affected by a crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Tel: 0808 168 9111
2. Street harassment
Street harassment is a form of sexual harassment in public areas that is often perpetrated against women and girls. Street harassment can also involve racist or homophobic abuse.
One in ten people report experiencing street harassment, and the range of behaviours associated with it includes sexualised or rude comments, unwanted contact, insistent staring and groping.
Support
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harassment using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
Start Safe – Stay Safe Online App provides 24-hour availability to persons affected by harassment or hate crimes in a public place to report their experiences and, if necessary, get independent support and advice.
Victim Support provides free, confidential services for anyone in England and Wales who has been affected by a crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Tel: 0808 168 9111
Galop provides advocacy and specialist support for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence. They run a free helpline on 0800 999 5428 and webchat and can also be contacted by email help@galop.org.uk.
3. Stalking
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention or any behaviour that causes someone to feel scared, anxious, or distressed.
Often stalking can also include harassment, and can involve repeated, unwanted attempts to communicate. The behaviour may involve any or all the following:
- following someone
- sending lots of messages or calling repeatedly
- turning up wherever someone is and hanging around
- damaging or interfering with property
- watching or spying
- giving unwanted gifts
- making threats or being intimidating
Support
National Stalking Helpline – Offers free advice for victims of stalking and harassment. 0808 802 0300
Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service provides support, advice and advocacy to high-risk victims of stalking. Paladin also has a young people’s service for 16–24-year-olds.
Victim Support provides free, confidential services for anyone in England and Wales who has been affected by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Tel: 0808 168 9111
Report + Support Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by any form of harassment using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
4. Revenge porn
Revenge porn, also known as intimate image abuse, describes the distribution of sexual images to cause distress, embarrassment, or humiliation.
It is an offence to disclose private sexual images without the consent of the person who appears in them and can have a devastating impact on anyone affected.
Support
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by any form of sexual misconduct using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
StopNCII.org - A free online tool designed to support victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse by helping with removing intimate images or videos from online systems. Operated by the Revenge Porn Helpline.
The Cyber Helpline – Free, expert support for victims of cybercrime and online harm.
Revenge Porn Helpline – A UK service supporting people ages 18+ who are experiencing intimate image abuse both online and offline (revenge porn). They can be contacted by phone, email or send them a message via their anonymous reporting form.
Victim Support – provides free, confidential services for anyone in England and Wales who has been affected by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Tel: 0808 168 9111.
5. Emotional abuse
It can be difficult to recognise emotional abuse as it can happen gradually over time and develop into a pattern of behaviours. Persistent emotional abuse is a serious offence of coercive or controlling behaviour.
Some examples of emotional abuse include:
- Blaming someone else for their behaviour, making someone else feel guilty
- Criticising or calling someone names
- Causing embarrassment or humiliation
- Being controlling
- Isolating someone from friends and family
- Dismissing opinions or feelings
- Twisting facts and distorting reality
- Extreme jealousy
Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline –24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (GDVA) provides a directory of local support services and an advice helpline, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Tel: 0208 317 8273
Her Centre offers free and confidential advice at a weekly drop in on Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change) relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, emergency housing and health and wellbeing. They also provide a young women’s service. Referrals for ongoing support from Her Centre can be made by a GP.
Women's Trust provides free, confidential support groups and therapeutic services for women affected by domestic abuse. Self-referrals can be made by calling 0207 034 0303.
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harmful behaviour using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
6. Forced marriage
A forced marriage is where one or both people do not consent and/or cannot consent to getting married due to a lack of capacity or freedom. It is completely different from an arranged marriage.
Forced marriage may involve pressure from family members, people in the community, or a future partner, as well as harmful methods such as threats of violence or being disowned.
Forced marriage is illegal in the UK and is recognised as a form of domestic abuse and an abuse of human rights. It can occur in all different groups of society and people can vary in age, gender, religion, or ethnicity.
Support
True Honour is a charity providing confidential, one-to-one support to survivors of honour-based violence, forced marriage and FGM in the UK. Email contact@truehonour.org.uk or call 07480 621 711.
Against Forced Marriages supports people who are at risk of forced marriage and signposts to available services. They also run a free helpline on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30am - 4:30pm. Tel: 0800 141 2994.
Halo Project provides safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and minoritised women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Support includes accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support.
Karma Nirvana offers support to individuals who are at risk of forced marriage. You can call them on 0800 5999 247.
7. Post separation abuse
Post separation abuse refers to domestic abuse that may continue after a relationship has ended.
Support from a specialist domestic abuse support service can help with safety planning after the end of a relationship and signposting to appropriate organisations if there are legal issues or children involved.
Support
Family Court is a website developed by domestic abuse charity IDAS to assist people affected with understanding and navigating complex legal processes, including protective orders.
Her Centre offers a free and confidential legal advice service at a weekly drop in on Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change) relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, emergency housing and health and wellbeing. They also provide a young women’s service.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a 24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Women's Trust provides free, confidential support groups and therapeutic services for women affected by domestic abuse. Self-referrals can be made by calling 0207 034 0303.
8. Physical abuse
Physical abuse is often the most visible form of domestic abuse. It is the act of intentionally causing someone harm or injury through physical force, and can also include damaging property, smashing things, slamming doors, punching walls, and using threatening behaviour or gestures.
Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a 24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse run by the charity Refuge. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Greenwich Domestic Violence & Abuse Services provides a range of services for people of all ages, gender and social backgrounds to deal with a range of challenging situations. Support includes a referral and advice line, floating support and safe refuge. Tel: 020 8317 8273.
Nour offers culturally competent services to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, free counselling and legal, emotional and practical support.
Women’s Aid is a national charity which helps survivors of domestic violence access local services, a support worker and peer support.
Halo Project provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and minoritised women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Support includes accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support.
Galop provides advocacy and specialist support for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence. They run a free helpline on 0800 999 5428 and webchat and can also be contacted by email help@galop.org.uk.
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harmful behaviour using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
9. Honour-based violence
Honour based violence is an umbrella term used to describe a broad range of behaviours perpetrated by individuals, groups or communities to punish a member of the family or social group for behaviours that are perceived to bring dishonour to the family or community.
Violence, threats, intimidation and other forms of abuse may be used to punish the person whose behaviour is not deemed to be acceptable.
Support
Ashiana is a specialist charity that helps women and girls from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who have experienced trafficking, FGM and honour-based violence find safe housing and support.
Karma Nirvana offer support to individuals who are facing honour-based abuse or at risk of forced marriage, you can call them on 0800 5999 247.
True Honour is a charity that supports survivors of honour-based violence, forced marriage and FGM in the UK. Email contact@truehonour.org.uk or call 07480 621 711.
Forward is an African women-led specialist organisation providing advice and support for women and girls affected by any form of violence. They offer advice, one-to-one support and help to access counselling and other relevant services. Tel: 0208 960 4000
Halo Project provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and minoritised women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Support includes accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support.
10. Economic abuse
Economic or financial abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse. It may occur alongside coercive control.
Perpetrators may use economic abuse as a method of control, to increase economic instability or by using someone else’s money for their own needs. Warning signs of financial abuse include a lack of transparency or fairness around financial decisions.
Support
The Financial Support Line is run by Money Advice Plus and is specifically for helping survivors of domestic abuse regain financial control. They also offer a casework service for long-term money and debt advice. Tel: 08081968845, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.
Women’s Aid – Until 27th February 2025, Women’s Aid in partnership with the Home Office is offering a Flexible Fund of one-off payments to help survivors leave or safely remain in their home. Referrals can be made by the Financial Support Line 08081968845.
Money Helper provides information and guidance on spotting the signs of economic abuse and how to access help.
11 + 12. Sexual abuse and sexual violence
Any non-consensual sexual contact perpetrated by someone you trust or in a position of authority is sexual abuse. It may include name calling, coercion, force, or violence.
All forms of unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity, even within a relationship, are a criminal offence, whether it happens once or is repeated. It may also happen online.
Support
Report + Support Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by any form of sexual misconduct using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
The Survivors’ Trust is a network of organisations across the UK and Ireland which provide specialist support to survivors of sexual violence.
Forward is an African women-led specialist organisation providing advice and support for women and girls affected by any form of violence. They offer advice, one-to-one support and help to access counselling and other relevant services. Tel: 0208 960 4000
Halo Project provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and minoritised women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Support includes accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support.
Nour offers culturally competent services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence as well as free counselling and legal, emotional and practical support.
Rape Crisis run a free 24/7 support line for anyone impacted by sexual violence. Support is also available in languages other than English. Tel: 0808 500 2222.
Galop provides advocacy and specialist support for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse, hate crime, sexual violence. They run a free helpline on 0800 999 5428 and webchat and can also be contacted by email help@galop.org.uk.
Victim Support provides free, confidential services for anyone in England and Wales who has been affected by crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported or how long ago it happened. Tel: 0808 168 9111.
13. Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse and refers to manipulation that is intended to cause someone to doubt their memories and perception of reality. Over time, this can erode self-esteem and confidence.
Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline –24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (GDVA) provides a directory of local support services and an advice helpline, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Tel: 0208 317 8273
Her Centre offers free and confidential advice at a weekly drop in on Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change) relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, emergency housing and health and wellbeing. They also provide a young women’s service. Referrals for ongoing support from Her Centre can be made by a GP.
Women's Trust provides free, confidential support groups and therapeutic services for women affected by domestic abuse. Self-referrals can be made by calling 0207 034 0303.
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harmful behaviour using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
14. Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM) is illegal in the UK. It involves deliberately injuring, cutting, removing parts of, or changing the genitals for no medical reason. It is very painful and can cause physical and psychological complications.
FGM is often carried out in early childhood and before puberty starts, although it can also impact young women.
Support
Ashiana is a specialist charity that helps women and girls from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who have experienced trafficking, FGM and honour-based violence find safe housing and support.
Karma Nirvana offers support to individuals who are facing honour-based abuse or at risk of forced marriage, you can call them on 0800 5999 247.
True Honour is a charity providing confidential, one-to-one support to survivors of honour-based violence, forced marriage and FGM in the UK. Contact contact@truehonour.org.uk or 07480 621 711.
Forward is an African women-led specialist organisation providing advice and support for women and girls affected by any form of violence. They offer advice, one-to-one support and help to access counselling and other relevant services. Tel: 0208 960 4000
Halo Project provide safeguarding and culturally appropriate confidential advice, help and support to Black and minoritised women and girls who are at risk of and/or are survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Support includes accommodation, outreach support, safety planning and ongoing support.
15. Coercive control
Coercive control or controlling behaviour may occur alongside physical violence and does not relate to a single incident. It is a pattern of incidents that occur over time, and can range from influencing clothing choices, decision-making and social interactions.
Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline –24/7 helpline for survivors of domestic abuse. You can call 0808 2000 247.
Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (GDVA) provides a directory of local support services and an advice helpline, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Tel: 0208 317 8273.
Her Centre offers free and confidential advice at a weekly drop in on Wednesdays and Fridays (subject to change) relating to domestic violence, sexual violence, emergency housing and health and wellbeing. They also provide a young women’s service. Referrals for ongoing support from Her Centre can be made by a GP.
Women's Trust provides free, confidential support groups and therapeutic services for women affected by domestic abuse. Self-referrals can be made by calling 0207 034 0303.
Report + Support - Students and staff can disclose how they have been affected by harmful behaviour using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor, they will be able to talk through the reporting options and support available to you, in confidence.
16. Human trafficking
Human trafficking, sexual exploitation and modern-day slavery happen all over the world, including in the UK. The majority of victims of trafficking are women and girls, and can have profound long and short term physical and emotional effects due to significant trauma.
Support
Human Trafficking Foundation – offers a directory of London-wide services for survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, from an online hub, legal support, advocacy and healthcare.
Ashiana is a specialist charity that helps women and girls from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who have experienced trafficking, FGM and honour-based violence find safe housing and support.
Unseen UK is an anti-slavery charity which runs a helpline dedicated to supporting survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. Concerns can be reported online, and they also run a helpline. Tel: 08000 121 700.