If danger is immediate
Contact your local emergency number or nearest emergency department when someone is in immediate danger, has a serious injury, may act on suicidal thoughts or has a medical emergency. Do not wait for a website reply, an overseas admission or the next couples appointment.
United States
- Mental health crisis: call or text 988.
- Domestic abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233; text START to 88788.
- Sexual violence: RAINN, 800-656-4673, with online support routes on its website.
- Immediate emergency: call 911.
United Kingdom
For immediate danger, call 999 or 112. For domestic abuse support routes, including services suited to different needs, use the NHS domestic abuse guidance. For emotional support, Samaritans can be reached free on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland.
Elsewhere
Use the emergency and specialist services for the country you are in. The numbers above are region-specific. A local hospital, health service or domestic abuse organisation can help identify appropriate support.
When a device may be monitored
Internet activity, account notifications and location sharing may be visible to someone else. If possible, seek help through a device or contact route they cannot access. Private browsing and quick-exit buttons do not guarantee that activity is hidden. A specialist can help you consider digital safety without making abrupt changes that increase risk.
Supporting someone else
Listen, ask what feels safe and avoid confronting a partner on their behalf without agreement. Offer practical help and respect the person’s knowledge of the situation. If there is an immediate emergency, seek urgent assistance. Read the safety-planning guide for non-emergency considerations.