What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents (see categories below) between those aged 16 or over who are:
- In a current relationship (sexual or non-sexual)
- Ex partners
- Family relations
Domestic Abuse Categories:
- Psychological (emotional)
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Controlling and Coercive
- Stalking and Harassment
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Forced Marriage
- Honour Based Violence
Domestic abuse can seriously harm children and young people, and experiencing domestic abuse is child abuse. There are supporting services in the community for children suffering abuse.
Support Services
Gateshead
Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team
They offer support and advice around all aspects of domestic abuse including housing, counselling, and one to one support.
Newcastle
NIDAS
They offer community outreach, women and children’s refuge, advice to high risk victims, support to victims of sexual violence and accommodation advice for men.
Sunderland
Wearside Women in Need
They provide refuge, advice and support to women and children suffering domestic abuse.
South Tyneside
Options (Impact Family Support Services)
They offer advice to women over 16, referral services to other support organisations, weekly support groups and counselling services. Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
Durham
Harbour
They offer refuges and community outreach in Durham and much of Cleveland.
North Tyneside
Harbour
They offer a range of different services to assist those affected by domestic abuse
National Support
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
They offer free, confidential support in many different languages.
Are you in immediate danger?
If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If it is not safe for you to speak, the police can still help you by using their ‘silent solution’. Simply stay silent and press 55 when prompted.
Look out for the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display at some pharmacies as they can help you. They provide a private space, a phone and ask if you need support from the police or local services.
For non-emergencies, you can call Northumbria Police on 101.