If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.

If you call from a mobile

If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard - this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.

If you call 999 from a landline

If only background noise can be heard and BT operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick up again.

When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.

Useful Support providers:

Refuge runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which you can call for free, and in confidence, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247.

Specialist lesbian, gay, bixsexual and trangender (LGBT) support: 

• Galop: 0800 999 5428 / help@galop.org.uk

Specialist ‘by and for’ support for Black and minoritised women: 

• Imkaan’s Directory of Services.
• Southall Black Sisters Helpline: A national helpline for Black and minoritised women and migrant women, including women with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF): 0208 571 9595 – Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm / Online outreach advice surgery – every Wednesday 10am-12pm
• Latin American Women’s Right’s Service – Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0771 928 1714 (Monday to Thursday 10 AM – 1 PM)/ 0759 597 0580 (Monday to Friday 10 AM -1PM)    referrals@lawrs.org.uk

Specialist support for Deaf and disabled survivors:

• Sign Health: Supports d/Deaf people experiencing domestic abuse, including a pilot online support project –
• Call 020 3947 2601 / (Text or WhatsApp/Facetime) 07970 350366 da@signhealth.org.uk
• Stay Safe East: Supports d/Deaf and disabled people experiencing domestic abuse and hate crime (London only) enquiries@staysafe-east.org.uk
• Respond: Support for people with learning disabilities and/or autism who have experienced trauma and abuse – 020 7383 0700 /admin@respond.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line:

The Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them - 0808 801 0327.