Support to leave a relationship

Support to leave a relationship

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

Leave this website (BBC News website)

Hidden on mobile
Off
Hidden on tablet
Off

The ‘leave this site’ link in the pink box will allow you to quickly exit the page. 

Be aware that the link will not clear your search history and the back button will take you back to this page.

If there is a risk to you accessing this page, please remember to clear your browser history and cookies. 

It is also safer to use a private browser when accessing the site. This means that the websites you visit are not stored in your browser history.

Hidden on mobile
Off
Hidden on tablet
Off

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.

Hidden on mobile
Off
Hidden on tablet
Off

Often the risk of violence is worse if the abuser knows you are planning to leave. Make sure any plans you make are well hidden, or not kept in the house.

Hidden on mobile
Off
Hidden on tablet
Off
Next Link

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.

Hidden on mobile
Off
Hidden on tablet
Off
Pets

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.