The organisation Refuge provides the following Guide to Recognising Abuse and Definition of Domestic Violence.

In addition to the support services in the main relationship issues page, the following are targeted specifically at those suffering from domestic violence or other forms of abuse:

• National Domestic Violence Helpline - Freefone 24 hour service
  (Run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge)
  
  Fully trained female workers provide completely confidential support, information and a listening ear. Via the helpline abused women and their children access places of safety in the network of refuges across the UK.  Support also offered to friends, family members and external agencies calling on behalf of a woman.
  Freefone 24/7 Tel: 0808 2000 247 
  
  
• Refuge
  
  Refuge's network of safe houses provides emergency accommodation for women and children when they are most in need.  
  Tel: 0808 2000 247
  
  
• Women’s Aid
  
  Women's Aid is the national domestic violence charity that helps over 320,000 women and children every year. They work to end violence against women and children, and co-ordinate and support over 500 domestic and sexual violence services across the country. 
  Tel: 0117 944 44 11
  Email: info@womensaid.org.uk
  
  
• Citizens Advice Bureau guide to domestic violence
  
  
• Vet Helpline
  
  Friendly people with experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence. 
  Tel: 07659 811 118 (local rates apply 24 hour rapid response answer phone)
  
  
• Samaritans
  
  The Samaritans too provide confidential non-judgemental support, 24 hours a day for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
  Tel: 08457 90 90 90
  Address: Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA
  Email: jo@samaritans.org