Domestic abuse
Find out how to recognise domestic abuse, how to get help from us and where to find additional support.
If you need help now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you're calling from a mobile and cannot speak safely, follow the operator's instructions and press 55 when prompted. This helps the police identify that you need assistance.
If it's not an emergency, you can contact the police on 101.
Jump to
- Understanding domestic abuse
- Reporting domestic abuse to us
- How we respond to your report
- Support available from us
- Support to change abusive behaviour
- Translation and accessibility support
- National support services
- Support for specific communities
- Our commitment to residents
- Making a complaint about our service
Understanding domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is behaviour used to control, threaten, harm or intimidate someone.
It can happen between current or former partners or family members. It may involve a single incident or repeated behaviour.
Domestic abuse isn't always physical. It can include:
- emotional abuse
- psychological abuse
- sexual abuse
- financial or economic abuse
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- threats, intimidation or harassment
Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
Domestic abuse is never your fault. Support is available whenever you're ready to seek help.
Reporting domestic abuse to us
If you're experiencing domestic abuse or you're concerned about another L&Q resident, please contact us.
You can:
- Speak to your Neighbourhood Housing Lead
- Call our customer service centre
- Email us at: DAadviceandguidance@lqgroup.org.uk
You can tell us if there's a safe way or time to contact you.
How we respond to your report
We treat all reports of domestic abuse as urgent.
When we receive your report, we'll assess the information and aim to contact you within one working day.
We understand that everyone's situation is different. We'll listen to your concerns and work with you at a pace that feels safe.
With your agreement, we may:
- complete a risk assessment
- help you understand your options
- work with specialist agencies
- connect you with additional support services
- explore ways to improve your safety
Because your safety comes first, we may not always be able to give exact timescales for every action or outcome.
We'll explain what we're doing and keep you informed wherever it's safe and appropriate to do so.
Support available from us
If you're an L&Q resident experiencing domestic abuse, we can:
- listen to your concerns without judgement
- provide advice and explain your options
- discuss ways to make your home safer
- explore your housing options
- connect you with specialist support services
Our approach focuses on your safety and your choices.
We'll support you to make informed decisions and respect your wishes wherever possible.
We take your privacy seriously. However, we may need to share information without your agreement where it's necessary and lawful to protect you or someone else from harm, or to meet our legal and safeguarding responsibilities.
Where appropriate and safe, we'll explain what information needs to be shared and why.
Support to change abusive behaviour
If you're concerned about your behaviour towards a partner or family member and want help to change, support is available.
Respect Phoneline provides confidential advice and support for people who want to stop using abusive behaviour.
Call: 0808 802 4040
Translation and accessibility support
We can provide support in more than 100 languages through our translation and interpretation partner.
Available services include:
- telephone interpreting
- video interpreting
- face-to-face interpreting
- British Sign Language (BSL) support
- Easy Read documents
- video relay services for BSL users
Find out more about our translation and interpretation services
National support services
The following organisations provide specialist advice and support:
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Provides free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, for women experiencing domestic abuse and people concerned about them.
Call: 0808 200 0247
Provides support for people affected by rape, sexual violence or sexual abuse.
Call: 0808 500 2222
Provides free legal advice for women.
Family law: 020 7251 6577
Criminal law: 020 7251 8887
Immigration and asylum: 020 7490 7689
Sexual harassment at work: 020 7490 0152
Provides support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Call: 0808 801 0327
Provides advice about housing, homelessness and finding safe accommodation.
Call: 0808 800 4444
Supports people affected by honour-based abuse.
Call: 0800 5999 247
Support for specific communities
Supports LGBT+ people affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or hate crime.
Call: 0800 999 5428
Supports Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan women and girls.
Call: 020 7920 6460
Provides specialist domestic abuse support for Deaf people.
Text: 07800 003421
Supports women of African and Caribbean heritage.
Call: 020 7846 8350
Provides support, advice and counselling for Asian, African and Caribbean women and children.
Call: 020 8571 0800
Our commitment to residents
We're committed to providing a supportive and sensitive service for residents affected by domestic abuse.
We regularly review our approach and use feedback from residents, colleagues and partner organisations to improve the support we provide.
We're also working towards accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
DAHA sets recognised standards for how housing organisations respond to domestic abuse. Working towards accreditation helps us review and improve our policies, procedures and support for residents.
Making a complaint about our service
If you're unhappy with the support you've received from us, you can:
- speak to a member of our management team
- make a complaint through our complaints process
- ask a support worker or another professional to raise concerns on your behalf
- share feedback about your experience when your case has closed
We'll listen to your concerns and use your feedback to help improve our services.
How to make a complaint to L&Q
Last updated: October 2026