For many survivors of abuse, the healing process can only begin when you feel comfortable to talk and share your experiences with others. That's much easier said than done, but thankfully, there are lots of resources available to provide emotional and practical support. While taking the first step is never easy, the resources we've listed here will be available for you when you're ready. There's no rush, but always remember that help is available when you need it.

Support services aren't just about opening up and getting things off your chest - they can also help you to deal with the common challenges of the trauma response, like avoidance behaviour. Along with mental health and emotional support, you might also need legal resources to help you take action against an abuser. This step can sometimes protect other people from similar abuse, but it's difficult to take by yourself.

At Switalskis, we have a lot of experience supporting both children and adult survivors to pursue justice. We understand what it takes to come forward, and the range of resources and support services survivors might need. Here, we've collected a list of organisations that are dedicated to helping survivors of abuse, whether that means domestic abuse, sexual abuse, childhood abuse or any other abuse you may have experienced. You can also reach out to Switalskis for confidential support related to the criminal justice system. We can advise you on the legal options available to you, whether to press charges against an abuser or pursue compensation as a means of seeking justice.

Helplines

In emergency situations, call 999. If you are not in immediate danger but you need help, consider calling a helpline. Many of these services offer advice not only to victims, but also to family members and those who suspect abuse may be happening. To keep things simple, we've provided the phone number and website of each service, plus a short description of how they can help.

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247, https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
  This service is aimed at women experiencing domestic abuse and advises them on the steps they can take to increase their safety.
• NSPCC child abuse hotline: 0808 800 5000, https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/
  This service enables children and concerned adults to report abuse of all types. It offers parenting advice and can connect you with other child safety resources. The helpline may share information about child sexual abuse, emotional abuse or other types of child endangerment with law enforcement authorities to help them take action and protect children and young people.
• Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222, https://rapecrisis.org.uk/
  This hotline provides sexual violence and sexual abuse support for both recent and historical cases. It can connect you with local services and resources for support.
• The Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818, https://thesurvivorstrust.org/our-helpline/
  This helpline is for people over the age of 16. The Survivors Trust is a network of local organisations that provide support for survivors of rape, sexual assault and abuse.
• SurvivorsUK: 020 3322 1860 (SMS only), https://www.survivorsuk.org/
  Aimed at male survivors, this organisation offers advice and support for boys, men and non-binary people.

We've written a longer guide to abuse helplines and resources where you can find more information. If you can't find the right service here, and if you are safe to do so, you can also search for helplines and find help through a search engine. If there is a risk that your abuser may find out that you have sought help in this way, use a public computer (such as those available at your local library) or clear your search history after finding the information you need.

General resources for victim support

There are many types of abuse support services available, and the best approach will depend on your specific needs as a survivor. If you are not in immediate danger or do not feel that you need to call a helpline offering advice, you can look at the suggestions below and decide for yourself what the best path to recovery might look like.

• Mental health support: Consulting with your healthcare provider can help address any physical or mental health issues resulting from abuse. They may refer you to professional mental health services that can provide personalised support, especially if you are experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or other related conditions. You may also be able to refer yourself to therapists or counsellors who specialise in trauma and abuse. Some of these professionals offer therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy or trauma-focused therapy. Speaking to a doctor may be best if you're unsure about what type of therapy you need.
• Support groups: Joining a support group can offer a sense of community and shared experience. This may be an in-person or online group, but gathering in a safe space and having other survivors share their stories and coping strategies can help you to come to terms with your experiences. Comfort in sharing your story is crucial not only as part of your healing, but also for you to access the other types of support and resources you need, so this can be very beneficial.
• Online resources: Websites, forums and social media groups can offer resources, articles and community support specifically geared towards survivors of abuse. Just be careful when you browse - there is a risk that you may encounter content that you find difficult or triggering.
• Legal services: If you need legal advice about pursuing a conviction against an abuser or seeking compensation, many legal firms will offer free initial consultations where you can discuss your experiences. You can call Switalskis for confidential support, including advice on the options that are available to you based on your experience.
• Educational workshops and seminars: Attending workshops can provide survivors with education on coping mechanisms, mental health awareness, and healing processes.
• Books: Reading books written for or by survivors of child abuse can offer insights and comfort. Many survivors find it helpful to learn about others' experiences and the strategies they've used to heal. While this may not be enough on its own, it's often a part of the healing process and is sometimes the catalyst for people to recognise and understand that they have experienced abuse.

It can be overwhelming to consider all of the options that are available. Calling a helpline or speaking to a medical professional are two useful ways to clear your head and develop a focused approach to getting the help you need.

Legal help

People who have experienced abuse in their childhoods - which may also be called 'historical' abuse - often feel like there is nothing they can do about their situation. However, it's also important to remember that even if the abuse you suffered happened a long time ago, that doesn't mean you should simply move on and forget about it. While you may feel uncomfortable reliving the past and tackling your traumatic experiences, it's often the only way to heal, and trying to leave these experiences in the past can have unintended negative consequences on you in the present.

You must also remember that legal options may still be available to you, even a long time after the abuse happened. This isn't always easy, because it can be challenging to collect evidence - witnesses may be difficult to track down, or they may have forgotten what happened. However, even in these cases, it is often possible for survivors to make compensation claims against their abusers. Compensation can help survivors to move on from their experiences and heal effectively, and the process can offer a sense of justice where a conviction isn't a viable option.

To learn more about this process and find out whether you're eligible for compensation, get in touch with the team at Switalskis today. Our expert abuse solicitors are experienced in working with survivors and helping them through the legal process - we'll explain legal language in simple terms and take on the bulk of the responsibility for your case to make it as easy as possible for you.

Call our team today on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website .