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  4. Community safety
  5. Violence against women and girls
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Are you experiencing violence or abuse

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Experiencing violence or abuse

Use the resources on this page if you:

  • are experiencing any form of violence, abuse or intimidation
  • know someone who is either personally or someone in your community
  • are concerned about your own abusive behaviour towards a partner or family member and want to get help.

To search for services that can support you if you are affected by any of these crimes visit our directory of domestic and sexual violence services.

Freephone helplines

Below are some freephone helplines you can call for advice.

  • In an emergency always call 999
  • 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 080 8200 0247
  • Respect Phoneline (for domestic violence perpetrators): 080 8802 4040 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm) 

Human trafficking

To find out about human trafficking, including case studies, statistics and more visit Stop the Traffik.

  • If you have been a victim of trafficking, or you are concerned about someone else call the Salvation Army 24-hour confidential referral helpline: 030 0303 8151 (24 hours a day, seven days a week).

Report a crime (non-emergency) on 101.

If anyone is in immediate danger, always dial 999.

For a full list of the services that can support you if you have been a victim of trafficking visit our directory of domestic and sexual violence services.

Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of child abuse.

Islington support services

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of, or has undergone, FGM contact our Children's Services Contact Team on:

More information about Islington's services are available in our Islington FGM risk assessment tool.

For advice, support and training on FGM, contact:

The FGM Project
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust
6-9 Manor Gardens
London N7 6LA.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk of FGM, or you have already undergone FGM, find support by searching for ‘FGM’ in our domestic and sexual violence service directory.

Other help and support for FGM

NSPCC 24-hour helpline for advice and support to victims of FGM, or if you are concerned a child might be at risk:

For more information and advice about FGM visit the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (FORWARD).

Speak in confidence to someone if you are facing, or have already experienced, FGM:

To report a crime to the police dial 101 (non-emergency).

If you or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.

Rape and sexual assault 

The Rape Crisis Helpline will put you in touch with your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). In London, there are three specialist centres for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted called The Havens:

For more information and advice, including how to support someone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, some of the key myths and facts, and more, visit Rape Crisis England and Wales.

You can also contact the North London Rape Crisis service (women only) provided by Solace Women's Aid.

For more information on the range of local services visit our directory of domestic and sexual violence services.

To report a crime to the police dial 101 (non-emergency).

If you or someone else is in immediate danger always dial 999.

Forced marriage and 'honour'-based violence

Forced marriage and 'honour' based violence are forms of child abuse.

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of forced marriage or 'honour'-based violence, contact Islington’s Referral and Advice Team:

Forced Marriage Unit

The Forced Marriage Unit can help If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk of forced marriage.

If you are going abroad with your family and are worried you might be pushed into a marriage while you are away, give the Forced Marriage Unit as much information as you can about your trip. This will help them to track where you are if you don’t return to the UK.  

Other help

Speak in confidence to someone if you are facing forced marriage, or any ‘honour’ related violence or abuse.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always dial 999. 

If you are a victim of forced marriage or 'honour' based violence and want support, search our directory of domestic and sexual violence services.

Stalking and harassment

Stalking is a crime.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know call the National Stalking Helpline:

  • 080 8802 0300 (9.30am to 4pm on weekdays, except Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm)

For high risk victims of stalking

The Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service will support high risk victims of stalking. You can refer yourself to this service.

In an emergency always dial 999.

For more information on stalking, including a list of what to do and what not to do, and advice on how to understand the risks and keep yourself safe visit Protection Against Stalking (PAS).

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