QADAMLONDON

If you are in danger right now

999Can't talk — call and press 55
0808 2000 247Domestic abuse helpline, 24/7, interpreters available
116 123Samaritans, if things are hard and there is no one to talk to

Children

Under British law, a child in a family like this is not a witness but a victim.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a child who sees, hears or experiences the effects of domestic abuse is recognised as a victim in their own right, not a witness. This changes how services look at you: the child is entitled to help too.

Doctor

Registering with a GP: no documents, status or registered address required — not for you, not for your child. Refusal is unlawful.

School

School follows the general rules, regardless of immigration status.

Support from the council

If you have a child and no money or housing, Children Act 1989, s.17 applies: the council must support a “child in need”, and that support can include housing and living costs for the whole family. You request it through children's services; the assessment takes up to 45 working days, and in urgent cases you can ask for interim help straight away. More on the money page.

If you're worried about a child but don't want to give names

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 — you can call for advice without giving names.

Taking a child abroad without consent. There are procedures for this: a port alert and a prohibited steps order. We don't describe them in detail because we haven't had time to verify the specifics, and the cost of a mistake here is high. Call 0808 2000 247 and ask for a referral to a family law solicitor, or call Rights of Women: 020 7251 6577.