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Am I being abused? Recognising the signs
This tool helps you reflect on your relationship and what you may be experiencing. It is not a diagnosis — only you can define your situation. But if something feels wrong, this space is here to help you name it.
Before you begin
Abuse rarely looks the way we expect. It is not always physical. It is often gradual — so gradual that it can be hard to know where it began. Many people who experience abuse spend a long time wondering whether what is happening to them “counts.”
It counts. If something in your relationship makes you feel afraid, controlled, belittled, or unsafe — that matters. You do not need to have bruises. You do not need to have been threatened. You do not need to have called the police.
Go through each section and answer honestly. There are no right or wrong answers. When you are ready, your responses will help you see any patterns more clearly.
Physical safety
Violence, physical harm, and threats
Emotional & psychological
Criticism, humiliation, and control of your mind
Control & coercion
Monitoring, isolation, and restricting your freedom
Financial abuse
Control of money and economic independence
Digital & technology abuse
Online control, surveillance, and harassment
How you feel
Your overall sense of safety and wellbeing
Your answers
NAAVoices.com — naavoices.com | contact@naavoices.com
This printout does not contain any personal data. It was generated from a confidential self-reflection tool. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. National DA Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7).
Tool created January 2025. Last reviewed May 2025.
Whether you are certain, unsure, or just beginning to think about this — these services will listen without judgement. All calls are free and confidential. You do not need to have reported to the police.
National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Confidential. Run by Refuge & Women’s Aid.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →Samaritans
116 123Free, 24/7. For anyone who needs to talk, whatever you are going through.
samaritans.org →Victim Support
0808 168 9111Free, 24/7. Support through the criminal justice process.
victimsupport.org.uk →Women’s Aid
Chat onlineLive chat support via the Women’s Aid website. Confidential.
womensaid.org.uk →NAAVoices.com
contact@naavoices.comTrauma-informed survivor resources, guides, and support.
naavoices.com →Domestic abuse affects men too. These services offer confidential, non-judgemental support specifically for male victims.
ManKind Initiative
0808 800 1170Mon–Fri 10am–4pm. Confidential support for male victims of DA.
mankind.org.uk →Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Free and confidential for men experiencing DA.
mensadviceline.org.uk →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Open to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →Domestic abuse in LGBT+ relationships is just as serious, and just as common. These specialists understand the unique barriers LGBT+ people face.
Galop
0800 999 5428Specialist LGBT+ DA support. Confidential. Mon–Fri 10am–8pm, Sat 10am–1pm.
galop.org.uk →LGBT Foundation
0345 330 3030Support, advice and information for LGBT people. Mon–Fri 9am–9pm.
lgbt.foundation →Switchboard LGBT+
0800 0119 100Daily 10am–10pm. Support line including for trans people experiencing abuse.
switchboard.lgbt →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Open to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →These services offer culturally sensitive support and understand additional barriers such as honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and immigration concerns.
Southall Black Sisters
020 8571 0800Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Support for Black and minority ethnic women.
southallblacksisters.org.uk →Forced Marriage Unit
020 7008 0151Gov. helpline Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Also handles honour-based abuse.
gov.uk/forced-marriage →Karma Nirvana
0800 599 9247Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Specialist support for honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
karmanirvana.org.uk →Imkaan
Find local serviceNational network of specialist services for Black and minority ethnic women.
imkaan.org.uk →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Open to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →Disabled people face additional barriers when experiencing abuse, including dependency on a carer who is also the abuser. These services can help.
Sign Health
Video relay / BSLSpecialist DA support for Deaf people via British Sign Language.
signhealth.org.uk →Respond
0808 808 0700Support for people with learning disabilities experiencing abuse or trauma.
respond.org.uk →Disability Rights UK
Online resourcesGuidance on rights, carers, and accessing support as a disabled person.
disabilityrightsuk.org →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Can arrange for interpreters and accessibility support.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →Abuse of older people is often unreported. It can involve a partner, family member, or carer. You deserve support at any age.
Action on Elder Abuse
0808 808 8141Free helpline for older people experiencing any form of abuse.
wearehourglass.org →Age UK Advice Line
0800 678 1602Free, 8am–7pm daily. Can signpost to local DA support for older people.
ageuk.org.uk →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Open to anyone of any age experiencing domestic abuse.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →Victim Support
0808 168 9111Free, 24/7. Can help with safety planning and the criminal justice process.
victimsupport.org.uk →Mae cymorth ar gael yn Gymraeg. Welsh-language and Wales-specific support is available.
Live Fear Free
0808 80 10 800The Welsh Government’s helpline for DA in Wales. Free, 24/7. Welsh & English.
livefearfree.gov.wales →Welsh Women’s Aid
Find local serviceNational network of local DA services across Wales. Welsh language available.
welshwomensaid.org.uk →CAIS / Gorwel
01248 671 666Specialist DA support in North Wales. Welsh language services available.
cais.co.uk →National DA Helpline
0808 2000 247Free, 24/7. Also covers Wales and can signpost to Welsh services.
nationaldahelpline.org.uk →All services are free and confidential. You do not need to have reported to the police to call. Select the tab that fits your situation.
Emergency
999If you are in immediate danger.
Respond
0808 808 0700Support for people with learning disabilities.
respond.org.uk →From the Founder
Personal writing on survival, recovery, neurodiversity, parenting through trauma, advocacy, and the journey that built NAAVoices.
