If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, it’s crucial to protect your privacy and cover your tracks online. Clearing your internet browser history can help ensure that your online activities remain private. Here’s how to clear your browser history on Safari, Edge, and Google Chrome, both on desktop and mobile devices. Why Clear Your Browser History?...
If you are going through a police investigation after experiencing abuse, it’s normal to have questions about therapy and whether it could affect your case. This page explains pre-trial therapy in a clear and simple way, so you can understand your options and feel more in control. Do I have the right to therapy...
Experiencing domestic abuse, sexual assault, or rape can lead to a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical responses. It’s essential to remember that your reactions are completely normal. The trauma you’ve experienced affects your body and mind in many ways, but with the right support and self-care, healing is possible. This guide is designed...
At First Light, we know that LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and can face unique barriers when reaching out for help. Fear of not being believed, worries about discrimination, or being ‘outed’ without consent can all make it harder to find safe and understanding support. Our services are...
Definitions Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is defined as an act of physical, psychological, or emotional violation in the form of a sexual act, inflicted on someone without their consent. This can include unwanted touching, groping, or any other form of non-consensual sexual activity. Rape: Rape is legally defined as when a person intentionally penetrates another’s vagina, anus,...
Sexual violence, rape, and sexual assault are serious issues that can have profound impacts on individuals and communities. It’s crucial for organisations and businesses to understand the realities of these crimes, dispel common myths, and provide robust support to affected staff members. This guide aims to educate and equip your organisation with the knowledge and...
Church-related abuse is harm that happens in a church setting or is linked to a church role, relationship, or belief system. It can affect people of any age, background, or faith. It is not about faith itself. It is about misuse of power, trust, or authority connected to a church context. What does “church-related...
Conversion therapy is a harmful practice that attempts to change, suppress, or eliminate a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It is abusive. It is not therapy. And it causes serious harm. Conversion therapy can happen in many settings, including counselling spaces, families, communities, and religious environments. Quick definition Conversion therapy is any practice...
Discriminatory abuse is when someone is treated unfairly, harmed, excluded, or controlled because of who they are. It can happen in many settings, including care services, workplaces, schools, families, and religious environments and communities. It is rooted in prejudice, power, and inequality. Quick definition Discriminatory abuse is when someone is abused, harmed, or denied...
Female and male genital mutilation are forms of abuse. They involve procedures that intentionally alter or injure genital organs for non-medical reasons. These practices are harmful, a violation of human rights, and never justified by culture, religion, or tradition. Quick definitions Female genital mutilation (FGM) is when a girl or woman’s genital organs are...
Honour-based violence or abuse is a form of abuse that is used to control someone’s behaviour in the name of “honour”, reputation, or family expectations. It is never justified. It is abuse, not culture, not tradition, and not religion. Quick definition Honour-based violence or abuse happens when someone is harmed, controlled, or threatened because...
If you have experienced sexual abuse, domestic abuse, or church-related abuse and have reported this to the police, you may hear the term pre-trial therapy. This can raise questions or concerns, especially during an already difficult time. This page explains what pre-trial therapy is, what it involves, and what your rights are, based on guidance...
Spiritual abuse is when faith, beliefs, or religious authority are used to control, harm, or silence someone. It can happen in churches, faith groups, families, or other spiritual settings. It often leaves people feeling confused, guilty, afraid, or cut off from support. You do not need to be religious for your experience to matter. ...
: June 3, 2026
: May 26, 2026
: January 16, 2026
: December 10, 2025
: February 27, 2026
: February 27, 2026
: February 27, 2026
: February 27, 2026
: February 27, 2026
: February 27, 2026