If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety comes first. Here are the free, confidential services that can help, and your housing rights.
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Direct answer
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety comes first. In an emergency, call 999. For free, confidential support at any time, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. We help with housing disrepair, not abuse, but we want you to reach the right help quickly.
Get safe and get support
- In an emergency, call 999. If you cannot speak, the Silent Solution lets you press 55 once the call connects, so the police know you need help.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247. Free, open 24 hours a day, run by Refuge.
- The helpline can talk through your options, including finding a safe place to stay.
Your housing rights
- Your council has a legal duty to help if you are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, because of abuse. Ask for the housing options or homelessness team.
- You do not have to stay in an unsafe home. Shelter can advise on your housing options. See where to get other housing help.
If your home is also in disrepair
We help tenants whose landlords have left their homes in disrepair, like damp, mould, or no heating. If that is part of your situation, call us free on 0800 030 4669. We treat what you tell us in confidence.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
- Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Housing Act 1996, Part 7 (homelessness) (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
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