Get support if you're experiencing domestic abuse

Abuse is not love. Whether you're a man or a women experiencing domestic abuse, we want you to know that there is a way out. 

We've put together a list of local and national organisations for both men and women and detailed your legal rights so you can get free and confidential help right now.

Domestic abuse helplines and support

List of domestic abuse helplines and support
OrganisationContact details

Police (if you're in immediate danger)

999

Police (non-emergency)

101

Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse helpline (external link) - Support, advice and counselling for those affected by domestic abuse and anyone concerned about the wellbeing of others

01942 311365, Mon to Fri, 7am to 7pm

admin@diasdvc.org

Greater Manchester victim support (external link) - Greater Manchester and Wigan

0300 303 0162, Mon to Fri 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm

National Domestic Abuse (DA) Helpline (Refuge) (external link) - A national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

0808 200 0247
(24 hour helpline)

Contact National DA online

(For men) Mankind (external link) - Confidential support and advice for male victims of domestic abuse, as well as their friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues

01823 334244, Mon to Fri 10am-4pm

(LGBT) Galop (external link) - Advice, support and referral services for LGBT people experiencing homophobic, transphobic and same sex violence

0800 999 5428, Mon to Fri 10am-5pm, Wed to Thurs 10am-8pm

help@galop.org.uk

Hollie Guard app (external link) - Turns your phone into a personal safety device. Allow selected contacts to view where you are / where you're going, set timers for meeting people and shake or tap the screen to generate an alert

Download it on the App store or Google play

Bright Sky app (external link) - Offers an ‘Am I at Risk’ questionnaire, personal diary to log voice recordings, pictures and text, uses your location to provide the nearest support to you and has an emergency call button

Download it on the App store or Google play

What are your legal rights and protections?

Domestic abuse is not acceptable in any form. If you're afraid of your current or previous partner, and what they are doing, then you have a legal right to be protected by the law.

Your legal options include:

How to get emergency accommodation

Leaving the home that you currently live in with your abuser is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe. 

We understand that sometimes this isn’t always possible, you may not have local family or friends to stay with, or your abuser may not allow you to leave your home.

However, there are ways that you can apply for emergency accommodation to help keep yourself and your family safe and away from abuse. Check out the table below for local and national emergency accommodation services.

Local and national housing services
OrganisationContact details

Wigan Council Housing Options Team - For advice on your housing situation if you're experiencing domestic abuse

01942 487717, Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri 9am-4.30pm, Tues 11am-4.30pm or fill in our online referral form

Refuge (external link) - Support to find emergency accommodation and access emotional and practical support

0808 2000 247 (24 hour helpline)

© Wigan Council