Help for women experiencing domestic abuse
If someone is controlling, frightening or hurting you, this isn’t your fault. Confidential support is here whenever you’re ready — safety planning, emotional support and specialist advice, whatever you need.
Confidential support
Talk in confidence to someone who understands. You choose what to share, and when you’re ready.
Practical safety planning
Get help planning next steps, from staying safe at home to preparing to leave.
Emotional and legal guidance
Understand your rights and options, with support for family court, protection orders and next steps.
What domestic abuse
against women can look like
Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain power and control over another, in a relationship or family. It doesn’t have to be physical to be abuse.
It can include coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and online monitoring or harassment. It can also include forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The evidence is clear: domestic abuse is a gendered crime, disproportionately affecting women and girls. It’s rooted in wider inequality, and women who experience abuse are more likely to face repeated abuse and serious harm.
This doesn’t mean domestic abuse only affects heterosexual women — men, non-binary people and LGBTQ+ people experience it too, and support is available for them through Equation.
Domestic abuse is never caused by anger, alcohol, stress or relationship conflict. It’s a choice, and responsibility for it always lies with the person using abusive behaviour — never with you.
Whoever you are, and whatever you’re experiencing, you deserve to feel safe.
Take action and get support
Juno Women’s Aid support women, children, and teens in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe. Call their free 24-hour helpline in confidence on 0808 800 0340, any time, day or night – you don’t have to give your name.
You can also get help online. Visit Juno’s Get Help page to find the right route for you, or go straight to I Need Help for immediate advice, safety planning and next steps.
If you support a survivor professionally, Juno’s Hub handles referrals for most services.
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid support women, children and teenagers who live in Bassetlaw, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood.
Legal rights and guidance
Juno Women’s Aid can help you understand your legal rights and options, including protection orders, family court proceedings and stalking. Their team offers practical, specialist advice — whether you’re a survivor, a family member, or a professional supporting someone else.
You don’t need to have decided what to do next. Juno can talk things through, explain your options in plain terms, and support you at every step, including representation and advocacy through the family court.
- Advocacy through family court proceedings
- Help applying for protection orders
- Support through the Stalking Advocacy Service
Become a J9 safe space
J9 training helps your team spot the signs of domestic abuse and respond with confidence — safely, discreetly, and without judgement. Sessions are free, just 90 minutes, and available online or face to face across Nottinghamshire. Be part of a nationwide response, creating safe spaces where anyone can get help.
- Free training for Nottinghamshire organisations
- Online or face-to-face, just 90 minutes
- Be part of a nationwide response
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Here’s some straightforward information about getting help, what support is available, and who to contact — whether you’re looking for yourself or someone else.
Is what I’m experiencing abuse?
Abuse isn’t always physical. If you feel controlled, frightened or isolated by a partner, ex-partner or family member, this could be domestic abuse — and support is available.
Will my call stay confidential?
Yes. You don’t have to give your name, and you can choose how much you share. Calls to Juno’s helpline are free and won’t appear on your phone bill.
Can Juno help with children?
Yes. Juno Women’s Aid supports children and teenagers affected by domestic abuse, alongside their mother, with one-to-one and group support.
What if I’m LGBTQ+?
Equation offers services for men and LGBTQ+ people. We’re here Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays (7.30pm on Wednesdays) – 24/7 confidential answerphone available outside these times.
Who should I contact first?
Call Juno Women’s Aid free on 0808 800 0340, any time, day or night. They run the main helpline for women in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
What if it’s an emergency?
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55 after connecting so the operator knows you need help.
What about my pets?
Juno runs a pet fostering service. If you need to leave home, they can help find safe, temporary foster care for your pets.
Is help free of charge?
Yes. All support from Juno Women’s Aid and Equation is free and confidential. You don’t need to have decided what to do next.
Get in touch
Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or someone else, we’re here to help. Complete the referral form or contact us directly – choose whichever feels best for you. You don’t have to use your real name and you can choose how much to share. We’ll respond within 48 hours.
Still not sure about making a referral?
That’s completely okay. If you’d like to talk things through first, you can have an informal, no‑pressure chat with us. We’re here to help you decide what feels right for you.
Submit your enquiry below
We aim to contact you within 1-2 business days