As a child it can sometimes be difficult to understand when traumatic things happen to us. If you were abused or hurt as a child or young person you might not have realised it at the time but the effects of the event or events may stay with you as you become an adult.
When a young person is under the age of 18 your local authority can act to support and protect you by initiating their child protection procedures. When you’re over 18 these don’t apply.
Citizens Advice advise that there are several options available to you which depend on:
If the abuse is still happening who you contact will depend on the type of abuse you’re experiencing. Both Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have specialist domestic abuse services, as well as sexual violence advocates. You may wish to contact these organisations to find out what your options are. They can also support you to speak to the police if you choose.
If the abuse has stopped you might want to consider;
Helpline providing help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence, including honour based violence and forced marriage, slavery and female genital mutilation.
Freephone: 0808 80 10 800
Call * text * live chat * email
The Swansea Domestic Abuse Hub brings together Swansea Council and it’s partners of health, police and the third sector to help children and families experiencing domestic abuse or escalating relationship problems.
Tel: 01792 562888
For more information: Domestic Abuse Hub Information Leaflet
Thrive Women’s Aid’s Children and Young People Team offers a range of age appropriate interventions. aged 4 – 25 years who have been affected by domestic abuse.
Tel: 01639 894864
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
Freephone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Monday – Thursday, 10am to 8pm
Friday, 10am to 4:00pm
The helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.
Freephone: 0808 801 0327
Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk
Both available – Mon–Fri 10am-5pm
UK Helpline supporting victims of ‘honour’-based abuse and forced marriage
Tel: 0800 5999 247
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Helpline for individuals affected by crime, providing confidential support or information.
Freephone: 0808 1689 111
24/7
Live chat available 24/7
NAPAC provides advice to adults who have been abused in childhood. They can refer you to local counselling, support and help groups. They also have a helpline and produce useful booklets.
Support line: 0808 801 0331 (free and will not show on a phone bill)
Monday to Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
The 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.
Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 12pm
N.B. There might a delay for this service. Check the website for current average wait time.
If you need support after crime, you can chat to one of Victim Support’s trained supporters.
Available 24/7
You call also call: 0808 16 89 111
A safe, anonymous online forum for LGBT+ survivors of domestic abuse to share their experiences and give and receive support from one another.
Wednesday 5pm- 8pm
Thursday 5pm – 8pm