Domestic abuse is not commonly spoken about in general and this problem may be worse in groups suffering from discrimination.

People from minority groups may feel that they will face persecution from within their own family and community if they try to get help. People may believe they have too much to lose by leaving, for example, religious or cultural beliefs may forbid divorce or they may fear their family will disown you.

English  may not be their first language so consideration must be given to the range of languages spoken. Agencies should not use family members as translators.

People may fear that they could lose their right to stay in the country if separated from their partner, and may have been threatened with this by the abuser. They may fear the abuser (having links with another country) will take any children abroad without consent. If this is the case, please seek legal advice.

Content Listings

Southall Black Sisters

Led by and for Black and minoritised women, Southall Black Sisters provide holistic specialist services to some of society’s most marginalised victim-survivors of abuse. They combine crisis intervention with long term advocacy by developing comprehensi

Refuge

Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK. On any given day their services support thousands of survivors, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives

Sistah Space

Sistah Space supports women and families affected by domestic abuse whilst also ensuring that cultural factors are not only considered but understood. They aim to ensure that cultural barriers and biases are removed and that their service users are giv

Imkaan

Imkaan is a UK-based, Black feminist organisation. We are the only national umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls i.e. women and girls which are defined in policy terms as Black and

World Suicide Prevention Day

World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The 10 September each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and ra

Loving Me – Domestic Abuse Service

Loving Me is a service which provides one-to-one support and advocacy, for Trans and Non-Binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence who are aged 18 and over and live in England. They provide high quality support by trained specialists who unde

LGBT Foundation

The LGBT Foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. They believe in a fair and equal society where all LGBT people can achieve their full potential. #EqualityWins underpins mu

Sign Health – DeafHope

DeafHope is a service giving support to women and children who are affected by domestic abuse. It is the only service of its kind in the UK which is based in sign language. Being Deaf puts individuals at twice the risk of being abused, and makes gettin

The OutHouse

The OutHouse is a Colchester based registered charity, providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in Essex. Their mission is to develop and promote a sustainable, fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can achieve

Citizens Advice Bureau

We help people find a way forward We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. That’s why we’re here: to give people th

Friends, Families & Travellers

We aim to end racism and discrimination against Gypsies, Roma and Travellers, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, culture or background, whether settled or mobile, and to protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life. We investigate and expose un

Migrant Help EU Settlement Scheme advice and guidance

Migrant Help is rolling out a new service supporting vulnerable EU citizens in applying for the EU Settlement Status. EU citizens and their family members living in the UK need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021. This will ensure

COMPASS

Compass is a new Domestic Abuse Helpline to access Community Based Services and Specialist Accommodation in Essex. Online Chat now available! Please click here to find out more. Compass went live on 1st April 2019 and is the new point of access for vic

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana support victims of forced marriage and honour based abuse. Are you being pressured to get married against your will? Do you fear to bring shame or dishonour on your family? Have you been emotionally or physically abused? Are you confused

Galop

Galop offer emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime and sexual violence. They offer a National domestic abuse helpline, 0800 999 5428, or you can email them on help@galop.org.uk.  Check the opening times

Safe Steps

Safe Steps is a Southend based charity that aims to support people affected by domestic abuse. We: Work with women, men, children and their families, to protect them from further risk of harm and abuse Support individuals and families to make informed

Changing Pathways

Changing Pathways are offering an online chat on their webpage, please click here to find out more. Changing Pathways is a place-based domestic abuse support charity that has been supporting survivors and their children in South Essex and Thurrock for

Safer Places

We support those who use/ need our services in their journey from risk and crisis to recovery and resilience. We are determined to promote recognition of Domestic Abuse and its impact, for individuals, families and communities. We will respond to Domes