Get support
Here you can find information and resources related to survivor assistance, alongside technical guidance for practitioners and communities.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services.
Safeguarding Practice International works with organisations, not directly with individuals seeking help. Our work is advisory: we support agencies to design and strengthen their own systems. We do not provide assistance, case management or counselling to individuals, and we are not able to receive reports or respond to disclosures. Please do not send us details of an incident. The organisations listed below are independent of us and can offer direct support.
If you need support
If you are looking for support in your country, these directories list specialist services worldwide.
Domestic, intimate partner and sexual violence
Verified helplines in over 175 countries.
Domestic and sexual violence helplines and specialist support services for women, men and non-binary people in nearly every country in the world. Built with the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank, and updated quarterly.
International directory of abuse hotlines, shelters and women’s organisations, with information in over 110 languages.
In Spain
016 is the national helpline for gender-based violence. Free, 24/7, confidential, available in 53 languages, and leaves no trace on your phone bill. You can also reach it by WhatsApp on 600 000 016 or by email at 016-online@igualdad.gob.es.
Sexual and reproductive health
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, medical care is time-sensitive. Emergency contraception is most effective within 72 hours, and post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV must begin within 72 hours. You do not need to report to the police to receive medical care.
Laws on abortion and reproductive healthcare differ significantly between countries, and in some places accessing or sharing this information carries legal risk. Please consider your own safety and legal context before using the services below.
Telemedicine abortion service and information, available in many countries where access is restricted. Available in 15 languages.
Counselling and information on safe abortion, in multiple languages.
Country-specific information and support on abortion and contraception.
International Planned Parenthood Federation
Member associations providing sexual and reproductive health services in over 140 countries.
Human trafficking and sexual exploitation
Global Modern Slavery Directory
Anti-trafficking organisations in over 145 countries.
Helplines of member organisations across Europe.
National anti-trafficking hotlines for every EU member state, where you can remain anonymous.
As above, also lists services for sexual violence and exploitation.
Children and young people
Child helplines in over 130 countries.
Internet Watch Foundation Report Remove
For young people under 18 to report and have nude or sexual images of themselves removed from the internet.
Network of hotlines in over 50 countries for reporting child sexual abuse material online.
Child Helpline Europe
Call 116 111, the common child helpline number across most European countries.
Karma Nirvana (UK)
Free helpline for victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse. 0800 599 9247
Sexual exploitation and abuse by aid or UN personnel
Concerns can be reported to the UN at conduct.unmissions.org, or through the reporting mechanism of the organisation concerned. Support should be available whether or not you choose to report.
For practitioners
Gender-based violence: standards and guidance
IASC Guidelines for Integrating GBV Interventions in Humanitarian Action
The inter-agency standard for GBV risk mitigation across all sectors.
GBV AoR Minimum Standards for Prevention and Response to GBV in Emergencies
The operational baseline for GBV programming in humanitarian settings.
Inter-Agency GBV Case Management Guidelines
The standard for delivering survivor-centred case management, from intake through to case closure.
Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CCS Guidelines), Second Edition
UNICEF and IRC global technical guidance on case management and psychosocial support for child survivors in humanitarian settings.
UNFPA Essential Services Package for Women and Girls Subject to Violence
The multi-sector service model spanning health, justice, policing and social services.
Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
GBV recognised within life-saving criteria, which matters for how GBV programming is funded in emergencies.
Gender-based violence: technical resources and networks
Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility (GBV AoR)
The global inter-agency coordination mechanism for preventing and responding to GBV in humanitarian emergencies. Operating under the Global Protection Cluster, it brings together UN agencies, NGOs and academics to standardise life-saving response and risk mitigation.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) GBV Responders Network
Guidance, technical support, tools and resources for practitioners.
Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI)
The largest global network on research into violence against women and violence against children, and a source of evidence, funding and practical research guidance.
Protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (PSEAH)
IASC Minimum Operating Standards (MOS-PSEA)
The organisational baselines expected of UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
IASC Definition and Principles of a Victim/Survivor-Centred Approach
The reference point for what a survivor-centred approach requires in practice.
Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub (RSH)
Practical safeguarding resources, tools and country-level support.
PSEAH guidance and the Investigator Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS).
Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (CAPSEAH)
Donor-endorsed common standards for PSEAH across the sector.