Support to leave a relationship

If you are planning to leave your relationship, it is important to keep yourself safe. 

Leaving the relationship is a process, and there can be a high risk to you and your children. To ensure your safety you can create a safety plan to help arrange your next steps. There is a sample of a plan in our domestic abuse handbook.

Next Link offer support for leaving a relationship and emergency accommodation. They offer safe houses and workers for both men and women.

If you or someone you care about are experiencing abuse, you can phone Next Link on 0800 4700 280 for local support.

You can also contact their helpline and live chat on their website. They are staffed from 10am to 4pm on weekdays but they also have an out of hours service so you can speak to someone at any time of day, including weekends.

We understand that for some people, leaving the relationship is made harder at the thought of leaving behind beloved pets as they are often not allowed in refuges.

Organising pet care can take time and planning and could cost a bit of money. It can be worth looking at breed specific rescues, kennels, or home pet sitters who may be able to help. If possible, also consider contacting any family, friends, colleagues, or neighbour who might be able to care for your pets in the meantime.