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 in an emergency situation you should always call 999 for the Police, or use 999 BSL for a British Sign Language interpreter to connect you to emergency services. If you need help and support, please email us helpline@womensaid.org.uk or scroll down for more options.
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?
Women over 50
A safe space for women over 50
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 help and support, you can access Women’s Aid direct services which include our Live Chat, the Survivors’ Forum and the Survivor’s Handbook. You can also email us at helpline@womensaid.org.uk or contact a local domestic abuse service by using our Domestic Abuse Directory.
- If you’re a trans woman, please contact Galop’s LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 999 5428 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am to 8pm), their Live Chat is open between 5pm and 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday, you can also email or join their LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Survivors Forum.
- If you are a man who is experiencing domestic abuse, please contact the Men’s Advice Line.
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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”
