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.
You don’t have to sign up to read the forums but if you want to introduce yourself, join in the discussion, and connect with other survivors then register for your own profile below.
Please note that the forum is not for seeking advice on behalf of a third party.
Remember if you need urgent help and support, please call the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge), email us helpline@womensaid.org.uk and in an emergency situation you should always call 999 for the Police.
Is it abuse?
Sometimes it’s difficult to decide whether what you are experiencing is actually abusive. Share your experiences here.
Familial abuse
Share you experiences of abuse from family members here
Having a bad day?
We’re here to listen
New to the forum?
Come and say hello
Living with abuse and disability
If you have a disability and are suffering abuse, share your experience here
Life after an abusive relationship
What happens when you have left?
Domestic abuse in BME communities
Domestic abuse in BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) communities, please share you experiences here
Refuges and emergency accom
What’s life like in a refuge?
Positive moments
Share your successes and good days with each other
Getting out
Leaving an abusive relationship
General discussion
Not sure which category? Head here for general discussion
A moderator is online every day to respond to posts, provide individual advice, and deal with any technical problems relating to the Forum. We aim to respond to any requests within 12 hours.
- The forum is not a helpline service. If you need immediate help and support, please call the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (run in partnership between Women’s Aid & Refuge).
- If you are a man who is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the Men’s Advice Line.
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“I have been posting for about two months now, that time has gone really quickly. I still feel such a newbie, but people are starting to recognise me and know a little bit about my story and that is so nice and comforting. It makes me feel less worthless and that somebody out there takes notice of me.”
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“This forum, you and the other ladies who respond are my salvation. I truly don’t know what I’d have done if it wasn’t for finding here.”
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“I would have lost it by now, too, without this forum- especially in the early days. I think my ex is wondering why I haven’t naively fallen for his games, or crumbled, or seem to be ‘one step ahead of him.’ Little does he know, I have found amazing support and wisdom both here and at my local DV support group! He is probably wondering where all my strength has come from! Three cheers for this forum, and for all the beautiful and kind women on here x*x”
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“All I can say is thank God for this forum, I would not have coped without all your stories, support, posts and experiences. As much as I would not wish abuse on anyone, your experiences have helped me no end, this means that we have all learned to help and support, despite all of the trauma that we have gone through. This demonstrates an amazing strength with a clear message that abuse will not get the better of us and eventually we can heal and become strong from our experiences. xx”
