Domestic abuse and safety
Domestic abuse and safety
Mediation only works when everyone can take part safely. If domestic abuse is a factor in your relationship, whether it happened in the past or is ongoing, it is important that you tell your mediator. This does not automatically rule out mediation. We regularly support people affected by abuse, including through shuttle mediation, where you are never in the same room, virtual or physical, as the other person.
If it is not safe for someone else to see that you have visited this page, use a private or incognito browser window, or see the Bright Sky app below for a more discreet option.
Talking to your mediator
Every MIAM includes an individual, confidential conversation about safety, separate from the other person. You do not have to disclose anything you are not comfortable sharing, but telling your mediator what has happened helps them plan a process that keeps you safe, for example shuttle mediation, staggered arrival and departure times, or online-only sessions.
If you need help now
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 999.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge)
Freephone: 0808 2000 247
Hours: 24 hours a day, every day
For anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
Women's Aid
A federation of local domestic abuse charities across England. Offers a directory of local support services and refuges, the Survivor's Handbook, a Survivors' Forum, and a live chat service.
Men's Advice Line
Helpline: 0808 801 0327
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm
For male victims of domestic abuse.
ManKind Initiative
Helpline: 0808 800 1170
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
For male victims of domestic abuse and violence.
Galop
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 9.15am to 8pm; Wednesday to Friday 9.15am to 4.30pm
For LGBT+ people experiencing abuse.
Rights of Women
Helpline: 020 7251 6577
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 7pm to 9pm; Friday 12pm to 2pm
Free, confidential legal advice for women on domestic abuse, divorce and finances, and child arrangements, with interpreting available.
Southall Black Sisters
Helpline: 020 8571 0800
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
Specialist support for Black and minoritised women facing domestic abuse, with particular expertise for those with insecure immigration status or no recourse to public funds.
Bright Sky app
A free, discreet app with safety planning tools and a directory of local support services. Available from the App Store or Google Play.
Worried about a child too?
NSPCC Helpline
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm by phone; email support available most days
For any adult worried about a child, including abuse, neglect or general welfare concerns. Free to call, with an option to remain anonymous.
Our Safeguarding concerns about a child page has further contacts, including Childline and how to report a concern locally in Norfolk or Cambridgeshire.
What happens next
If you tell your mediator about abuse, they will talk to you about whether mediation is right for your circumstances and, if so, how to make it safe. Our mediators are trained in screening and safeguarding in line with Family Mediation Council standards, and safety is reassessed throughout the process, not just at the start.
If you'd like to talk any of this through before deciding, contact us on 01603 620588. Calls and conversations about safety are treated in confidence.