❤️ Reader Care

Your wellbeing comes first. Some scenes in this project involve domestic and family violence. If anything feels heavy, please pause. Step away, breathe, drink water, or read something lighter. You can return when you feel ready.

If you are in immediate danger

Australia: Call 000.
United Kingdom: Call 999. If you cannot speak, dial 999, listen to the prompts, then press 55 to reach the police.
United States: Call 911.
Canada: Call 911. For quick navigation to local services, dial 211 in many regions.

Digital safety while reading

If you are concerned someone might monitor your device, consider using a private window, a trusted device, or a public computer such as a library terminal. Clear your browsing history if that feels safe. Quick-exit buttons on some sites help, although no method fully hides activity, so choose what feels safest for you.

Where to get help

Australia

1800RESPECT (national, 24/7): 1800 737 732. Text: 0458 737 732.
NSW Domestic Violence Line (women): 1800 65 64 63.
Kids Helpline (ages 5–25): 1800 55 1800.
Men’s Referral Service (for men using or at risk of using violence, and for family or friends seeking advice): 1300 766 491.

United Kingdom

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England and Wales, 24/7): 0808 2000 247.
Live Fear Free (Wales, 24/7): 0808 80 10 800. Text: 07860 077333.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (24/7): 0800 027 1234. Text or WhatsApp: 07401 288595.
Northern Ireland 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414.
Childline (for children and young people): 0800 1111.
NSPCC Helpline (for adults worried about a child): 0808 800 5000.

United States

National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7, confidential): 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Text: START to 88788.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (24/7): 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
RAINN: National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7): 800-656-HOPE (4673).
StrongHearts Native Helpline (for American Indian and Alaska Native communities, 24/7): 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483).

Canada

211 (many regions, 24/7 navigation to local services): dial 2-1-1.
ShelterSafe (map of shelters and crisis lines): search for ShelterSafe and your location.
Kids Help Phone (ages 5–29): 1-800-668-6868. Text: CONNECT to 686868.
Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous peoples, 24/7): 1-855-242-3310.

If the book is bringing up difficult feelings

Notice your body. Unclench your jaw, rest your shoulders, and breathe out slowly.
Change the pace. Read something gentler, ring a friend, step outside if you can.
Seek support. The services above can help with safety plans, emotional support, and referrals. You deserve care and peace.

For readers supporting someone else

Listen without judgement, believe what you hear, and avoid pushing for immediate decisions. Offer choices and practical help. Share the relevant helpline above. If a child may be at risk, contact the appropriate child protection service in your country, such as the NSPCC in the UK or Childhelp in the USA.

Note: Phone numbers and services can change. If a number does not connect, search the service name for the most current contact details.