I'm in a relationship or living situation that doesn't feel safe
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If you’re in a relationship or living situation that doesn’t feel safe, you’re not alone. Support is available, even if you haven’t been physically hurt and even if you haven’t spoken to the police.
You deserve to feel safe.
If you’re in immediate danger
Call 999.
If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted and the operator will know you need help.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 24/7 specialist support
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at any time of day or night. They offer confidential, non‑judgmental support and can help you think through your options safely.
- Phone: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours)
- Live chat: National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Many people contact them before speaking to anyone else - you don’t have to know what you want to do next.
One Stop Shop: support with all your needs in one place
If you’d like to speak to someone face‑to‑face, our One Stop Shop is a free and confidential drop-in service. You don’t need an appointment.
You can get advice on:
- Domestic abuse
- Stalking
- Sexual violence
- Housing
- Legal options
You can also be linked with an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) who can support you, advocate for you and help you plan your next steps.
See One Stop Shop locations and times.
We can help you feel safer in your home
You don't have to leave to get help. Richmond's Safety First Scheme is free and could make your home more secure so you can stay safely.
This scheme is open to all tenants and homeowners living in Richmond. Our security company can provide a free property survey, which could result in changes to windows and doors security or alarms.
Contact the team:
- Phone: 020 8891 7409
- Email: housingadvice@richmond.gov.uk
You can contact us directly, or a support worker, police or partner agency can refer you.
Specialist support based on your needs
There are organisations in Richmond, London and nation-wide who offer tailored support:
Refuge IDVA Service (Richmond)
- For: people experiencing domestic abuse
- Specialist advocacy, safety planning and housing support
- Call: 0203 879 3544
- https://refuge.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters
- For: Black and minority women
- Support for domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based violence
- Call: 020 8571 9595
- https://southallblacksisters.org.uk
Galop
- For: LGBTQ+ people
- Support for domestic abuse, sexual violence and hate crime
- Call: 0800 999 5428
- https://galop.org.uk
Ashraya (Victim Support)
- For: men, trans+ and non-binary survivors
- Confidential support for domestic abuse
- Call: 0808 168 9291
- https://www.victimsupport.org.uk
Ascent (EACH Counselling)
- For: Women and girls (16+)
- Free counselling and group support for domestic abuse
- Call: 020 8577 6059
- https://eachcounselling.org.uk
Rape Crisis South London
- For: Women and girls (13+)
- Free support after sexual violence
- Call: 0808 500 2222 (24 hours)
- https://rasasc.org.uk
Hourglass
- For: Older people
- Support for abuse and exploitation
- Call: 0808 808 8141 (24 hours)
- https://wearehourglass.org
SignHealth
- For: Deaf and hard of hearing people
- Specialist domestic abuse support
- Text: 07800 003421
- https://signhealth.org.uk
Karma Nirvana
- For: people affected by honour-based abuse or forced marriage
- Confidential advice and support
- Call: 0800 5 999 247
- https://karmanirvana.org.uk
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness
You do not need to have already left home to ask for housing help. Contact us as early as possible.
Request a callback from our Housing team. We will contact you as soon as possible.
You can also call us: 020 8891 7409
Your IDVA can support you through the process and speak to the team on your behalf if needed.
After we speak to you, we might ask you to attend an appointment. Find out more about the homelessness application process.
Updated: 28 July 2026
