Resources & Support

If you’re in immediate danger

• Emergency Services (UK)

  999 — Police / Ambulance / Fire.

  If you can’t speak, press 55 when prompted (silent solution) after calling 999.

  Source: UK guidance on getting help for domestic abuse.

• Non-Emergency Police

  101 — report or seek advice when it’s not urgent. Essex Police also offer 24/7 live chat.

24/7 UK Helplines

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge) — 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7). Confidential advice and options.
• Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line (Rape Crisis England & Wales) — 0808 500 2222 (24/7). Phone or online chat.

Essex & Local Support

• Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline (COMPASS)

  0330 333 7 444 — weekdays 8am–8pm, weekends 8am–1pm; messages returned within 24h. Single point of access for advice and referrals.

  essexcompass.org.uk

• Oakwood Place SARC (Essex)

  0330 223 0099 — confidential medical & practical support after sexual assault (open daily 9am–9pm). Self-refer without police.

• Synergy Essex (Essex-wide)

  0300 003 7777 — specialist sexual violence support and advocacy across Essex.

• SERICC (South & West Essex)

  Specialist rape & sexual abuse services; self-referral options available.

• SOS Rape Crisis (Southend)

  Support for adults & children impacted by sexual violence in South East Essex.

• NHS: Help after rape or sexual assault

  Find your nearest SARC; what to expect; medical care and support choices.

Specialist Support

• Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) — 020 7008 0151 (Mon–Fri 9–5). Out of hours: 020 7008 5000. Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk. Help in the UK or overseas.
• Karma Nirvana (honour-based abuse) — helpline and support.
• Southall Black Sisters — advice and advocacy for Black and minoritised women (Helpline 0208 571 0800, Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; not 24h).
• Galop — LGBT+ domestic & sexual abuse support; National Helpline 0800 999 5428 (see open hours).
• Men’s Advice Line — confidential advice for male victims (phone, email, webchat).
• Rights of Women — free legal advice lines (criminal law, domestic abuse, sexual violence, family law).
• Revenge Porn Helpline (Intimate Image Abuse) — advice and content takedown; 0345 6000 459. Also see StopNCII.org.

Staying safer online when seeking help

1. Use a trusted friend’s phone/computer if possible; clear browsing history afterwards.
2. On shared devices, use a private window and delete recent call logs/messages.
3. Consider a “quick exit” plan (e.g., keep a neutral site ready in another tab).
4. If you think your device is monitored, call a helpline instead of using web chat.

NHS guidance explains options after sexual assault, with or without police involvement.

Important

Essex Indians provides signposting only and is not an emergency service. For emergencies dial 999. For non-emergencies contact 101 or the services listed above.