This Survivors’ Forum is a safe, anonymous, space for women (over 18) who have been affected by domestic abuse to share their experiences and support one another.
New to the forum?
You don’t have to sign up to read the forum but if you want to introduce yourself, join in the discussion, and connect with other survivors then register here.
You can post an introduction here and meet other survivors who might be experiencing similar situations. You can also read our forum guidelines and our FAQs for more on how the forum works, how to keep safe without posting identifying details and how survivors can support each other.
Is it abuse?
Sometimes it’s difficult to decide whether what you are experiencing is actually abusive. Let us know about how you are feeling and what you are experiencing.
Positive moments
This is a space for you to share your successes and good days with each other, whatever that might mean for you. Whatever it is, we want to hear what’s going on with you.
Living with abuse and disability
If you are disabled, have a health condition or mental health condition, and you’re experiencing domestic abuse, this is somewhere for you to discuss your experiences with other survivors.
Abuse from family members
Abuse can happen in all kinds of relationships, it’s not always between partners or ex-partners. If you are experiencing abuse from someone in your family, there is support available for you.
Domestic abuse in BME communities
Domestic abuse in BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities, please share you experiences here
Refuges and emergency accommodation
What is life like in a refuge? Share your experiences and questions here. There are resources that might help in our Survivors’ Handbook and you can share your experiences and questions here.
Leaving an abusive relationship
Whenever you’re ready to consider leaving, here is where you can post any questions you have about how to prepare practically and emotionally to leave as safely as possible.
Having a bad day?
This board is a place for you to post about what you’re going through at the moment where you and other survivors can listen and support each other.
Life after an abusive relationship
If you have questions about what happens after leaving or you’d like to talk about your experiences, this is a space for you to share and connect with other survivors.
Women over 50
Abuse can happen at any age and there is support available. Here you can talk to other survivors over 50 about your experiences.
General discussion
If you’re not sure where to post or if your post covers multiple areas, this board is the best place for any questions or anything else you’d like to share.
A moderator is online every day to respond to posts, provide advice, and deal with any technical problems. We aim to respond to any requests within 12 hours.
Please note the forum is not a helpline service.
You can email us at helpline@womensaid.org.uk or contact a local domestic abuse service by using our Domestic Abuse Directory. If you’re looking for support but don’t know where to start, visit the Survivor’s Handbook for practical support and information.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available for free, 24-7 on 0808 2000 247. You can talk to their team online Monday to Friday 10am-10pm and 10am-6pm on weekends.
Remember in an emergency situation you should always call 999 or use 999 BSL for a British Sign Language interpreter to connect you to emergency services.
If you are a man who is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the Men’s Advice Line.
The forum is not for seeking advice on behalf of a third party.
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“I could never have left my 20+ year marriage without the support from the Forum. Never. The strength it gave me – before, during, after – was what allowed me to escape and to survive afterwards.”
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“The forum has by far played the biggest part in my journey to leading a life free of domestic abuse. From realising it was abuse, to safety planning and eventually leaving, the forum has offered the most consistent and relevant support and advice.”
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“The forum is the only place where I can meet women who understand exactly where I am coming from and I understand them. For all the expertise of professionals, no-one has been able to support me like the women on the forum. I learnt everything I know about abuse either from the forum or from sources recommended by the forum. The women have been my wisdom and my strength. In giving back to the forum by supporting other women, I feel that I can make a small difference in the fight against domestic abuse.”
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“I’ve been thinking back over the year and I can’t quite believe the progress that I’ve made which is largely due to the most wonderful support and advice I’ve received on here. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their support and being so open with their experiences and advice as it’s helped me get to a place of safety and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
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“Honestly I feel this is my first step in my freedom! Everybody here is so lovely and helpful it just makes you feel that you are no longer alone. You don’t feel you are going crazy with it. Honestly I appreciate you all and I’m so grateful that together we can help each other to the light and then to grow x”