Anyone can experience domestic abuse which may be psychological, sexual, physical, financial or emotional.
In any form, domestic abuse is unacceptable.
If you choose to disclose to SHiP staff that you are in an abusive relationship, we will respond sensitively and in confidence. We will offer emotional support and help you contact local domestic abuse services and/or the police if you wish.
If you worried about your own relationship or about someone close to you, help is available (see links below).
If you are worried about your abuser checking your internet search history – advice on how to cover your tracks.
Who can help?
If you think you are in immediate danger
Dial 999 for the Police. If you can’t talk, make sure the call handler knows you are
If you are not in immediate danger
You can call the Police on 101 in a non-emergency. The Devon and Cornwall Police have a website section dedicated to domestic abuse.
If you live in Plymouth you can contact Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service (
Further local and national information is available on the Plymouth City Council website.
If you live in Devon, contact the Devon Domestic Abuse helpline on 03451 551074
If you live in Cornwall, contact the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Domestic Violence Advocate on 03007 774777, or the Cornwall Domestic Abuse 24-hour helpline on 01872 225629
Other sources of advice and support
National Domestic Violence Helpline 08082 000247
Free and confidential 24-hour helpline run by Women’s Aid and Refuge. This helpline will take calls from children & young people.
ManKind Initiative 01823 334244
Confidential helpline which is available for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or domestic abuse by their current or former spouse or partner (including same-sex partner).
Southall Black Sisters 02085 710800
This is a charity which focuses on the issues of women who are from black and ethnic minority backgrounds who are in abusive or forced relationships.