Abuse Helplines

Here are links to organizations that offer help, support & advice for victims of abuse, each organization specializes in a different area of abuse.

Crisis services

Samaritans

• helpline: 08457 90 90 90
• email: jo@samaritans.org
• web: www.samaritans.org
• A confidential 24-hour telephone service, seven days a week. You can also drop in at most Samaritan centres during the day or evening.

Resources for or concerning children

ChildLine

• Freepost NATN1111, London E1 6BR
• helpline: 0800 11 11 (24hrs)
• Deaf/hearing impaired textphone helpline: 0800 400 222 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-9.30pm, Sat and Sun 9.30am-8pm)
• web: www.childline.org.uk
• Confidential telephone counselling service for children.

Childhelp USA

• 15757 N. 78th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
• helpline: 1-800-422-4453 (24hrs)
• web: www.childhelpusa.org
• Confidential telephone counselling service for children.

Kidscape

• 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH
• helpline: 0845 120 5204 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm), tel: 020 7730 3300, fax: 020 7730 7081
• web: www.kidscape.org.uk
• Telephone advice for parents with concerns about school bullying. Aims to prevent the abuse of children through educating parents and children.

NCH Action for Children

• 85 Highbury Park, London N5 1UD
• helpline: 0845 762 6579 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm), tel: 020 7704 7000, fax: 020 7226 2537
• web: www.nch.org.uk
• Voluntary organisation whose services include specialist treatment centres for sexually abused children.

NCH Cymru

• St David’s Court, 68a Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff CF11 9DN
• tel: 029 2022 2127 fax: 029 2922 9952
• web: www.nch.org.uk

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline

• helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours)
• textphone helpline: 0800 056 0566
• email: help@nspcc.org.uk
• web: www.nspcc.org.uk
• Helpline for anyone concerned about a child at risk of abuse, including children.

Support for people who have experienced abuse in a ritual setting

Safe

• PO Box 1557, Wiltshire SP1 2TP
• helpline: 01722 410 889 (6-8pm every day)
• National helpline for people who have been abused in a ritual setting.

Other Useful Helplines

Counselling and therapies
British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)

• 24-27 White Lion Street, London N1 9PD
• tel: 020 7745 7262
• email: info@baat.org
• web: www.baat.org
• Art therapy can be useful in exploring and expressing the many feelings associated with child sexual abuse, including anger. BAAT can give details of therapists in your area.

Legal assistance

Association of Child Abuse Lawyers

• PO Box 466, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 5LG
• tel: 01923 286 888 (Tues and Thurs 10am-1pm and 2-4pm)
• email: info@childabuselawyers.com
• web: www.childabuselawyers.com
• Can provide help with finding a solicitor and advise survivors of abuse of what they may expect to get from a lawyer.