Women's Aid — the national federation working to end domestic abuse
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-27
What this service is
Women's Aid is the national charity federation of domestic abuse services across England (Scottish and Welsh Women's Aid are sister federations). It does not run a single helpline for victims — that is Refuge's 0808 2000 247 — but it runs the directory of local member services and the Women's Aid Direct Services including the Survivor's Handbook.
What they offer
- Find a local service directory — every accredited local domestic abuse service, searchable by area (womensaid.org.uk)
- The Survivor's Handbook — practical and legal information covering safety, housing, money, children and court
- No Woman Turned Away project — support for women who face barriers to refuge
- Bilingual and BME specialist member services in many areas
How to use them
1. In immediate danger: 999; for helpline support: Refuge 0808 2000 247 2. Use the directory to find your nearest member service (IDVA, outreach, refuge referral) 3. Read the Survivor's Handbook to understand protective orders, housing rights and money
How this fits your family court case
Local Women's Aid services support survivors through the family court process — safety planning around hearings, IDVAs who liaise with police and courts, and evidence that supports FL401 applications and legal-aid gateway claims. See our FL401 and legal aid guides.
Official links
- https://www.womensaid.org.uk (directory + Survivor's Handbook)
- Refuge helpline: https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/how-we-can-help-you/national-domestic-abuse-helpline
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and never publishes refuge locations. Not affiliated with Women's Aid.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.