Care and Support
Young homeless and domestic abuse services
Domestic abuse:
You are not alone
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. You do not have to cope on your own, and you do not need proof of abuse to ask for support.
At Orwell Housing, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe in their home and relationships.
We will listen to you, take your concerns seriously, and support you without judgement. Simply telling us what is happening is enough for us to offer advice and help.
*you will see a quick exit button on our webpages which allows you easy and fast exit from a web page if you need it*
In an emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted.
Talk to someone
There are specialist services available that can help you understand your options and support you to make the decisions that are right for you, you will find their contact details below.
You can also speak to any member of Orwell staff if you are worried about your safety or someone else’s.
We understand that every situation is different. We will be guided by you, your circumstances and your wishes. We will not pressure you to report anything, leave your home, end a relationship, or take any action that you do not want to take.
Asking for help can feel difficult. Even if you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is abuse, you can still talk to us.
Our role is to:
- Listen and support you.
- Help you understand the options available.
- Make sure you know about specialist services that can help.
- Work with you to improve your safety where possible.
- Support your decisions and respect your choices.
How we handle your information
We understand that speaking about domestic abuse can be very personal and sometimes frightening.
Anything you tell us will be handled sensitively and respectfully. We will only share information with people who need to know in order to help keep you, and members of your family, safe.
In most situations, we will seek your agreement before referring you to another organisation or sharing information. The only exception is when we believe that you, a child, or another person is at risk of serious harm, or where we have a legal duty to act. If this happens, we will explain what we are doing and why, wherever possible.
Getting specialist support
There are many organisations that provide free, confidential advice and support.
In an emergency, call 999. If you can’t speak, dial 55 when prompted.
National domestic abuse services
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (women)
- Free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Telephone: 0808 2000 247
- Website: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Men's Advice Line
- Confidential advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
- Telephone: 0808 801 0327.
- Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
- Website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk
ManKind Initiative
- Information, support and signposting for male victims of domestic abuse.
- Telephone: 01823 334244
- Freephone: 0808 800 1170
- Website: https://mankind.org.uk
Specialist support services
Galop
- Specialist support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of abuse.
- Telephone: 0800 999 5428
- Email: help@galop.org.uk
- Website: https://www.galop.org.uk
Karma Nirvana
- Specialist support for people affected by honour-based abuse, forced marriage and harmful practices.
- Telephone: 0800 5999 247
- Email: support@karmanirvana.org.uk
- Website: https://karmanirvana.org.uk
SignHealth
- Specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support for Deaf adults and young people.
- Text only: 07800 003421
- Email: da@signhealth.org.uk
- Website: https://signhealth.org.uk/with-deaf-people/domestic-abuse/
Other helpful services
NSPCC
- If you are worried about a child.
- Telephone: 0808 800 5000
- Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Hourglass
- Specialist support for older people experiencing abuse.
- Telephone: 0808 808 8141
- Website: https://www.wearehourglass.org
Specialist support at Orwell
We also provide specialist domestic abuse services, information about these can be found here: Young homeless and domestic abuse services – Orwell Housing
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, faith, or background. Abuse is not always physical. It can also be emotional, controlling, coercive, financial, or online.
You do not have to be ready to make big decisions before asking for help. Many people speak to us simply to understand their options or find out what support is available.
Whatever you decide, we will listen, believe you, and work with you at a pace that feels right for you. Our priority is to help you stay safe and make sure you know that support is available when you need it.
View our domestic abuse policy
*Please note: Quick exit is not available when viewing our domestic abuse policy.
Our services
Here you can find information on our specialist support services.
Together we can end domestic abuse 
