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Domestic Abuse

This page offers information about the services we offer relating to domestic abuse.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and domestic abuseHow to help others affected by domestic abuseDomestic abuse against parents and carersFemale genital mutilationForced marriage & honour-based violencePractical advice for people fleeing domestic abuseUseful contacts for domestic violence, abuse & safeguarding issuesRegional support services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence & safeguardingUseful national support for domestic abuse victims

Page Contents:

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and domestic abuseHow to help others affected by domestic abuseDomestic abuse against parents and carersFemale genital mutilationForced marriage & honour-based violencePractical advice for people fleeing domestic abuseUseful contacts for domestic violence, abuse & safeguarding issuesRegional support services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence & safeguardingUseful national support for domestic abuse victims

Coronavirus (Covid-19) and domestic abuse

Here you will find information to help you at this particularly stressful time, as well as the other resources we have on our web page below.

PLEASE NOTE: All of our local DA and SV services are continuing to offer support (via phone and online) and are still accepting referrals. The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is still up and running and taking referrals.

See Useful Contacts information below for our local service details:

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS)
Web Chat service is live:Monday to Friday on 01434 608030. See also the webpage. 

Safe Lives
Please visit Safe Lives for information regarding Domestic Abuse and COVID-19. See also their Safety planning guide for victims and survivors during COVID-19.

Surviving Economic Abuse
Surviving Economic Abuse is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and transforming responses to it. Please click here for guidance from Surviving Economic Abuse - designed to support your economic wellbeing and safety.

Women's Aid
You can access Women's Aid online chat service here.

Against Violence & Abuse
See the Silent Solution Guide (what to do if you need to call 999 but can't speak) from the charity Against Violence & Abuse.

Refuge
Refuge have a Tech Abuse & Tech Safety Resources for Survivors and Professionals.

Crimestoppers 
Crimestoppers are running a campaign across the North East to remind people that they can report any suspicions or concerns around domestic abuse. Crimestoppers is an independent charity that has existed for almost 32 years; any information provided to them will be passed onto the authorities and they will remain totally anonymous.

Key Change
The Open Clasp Theatre Company’s ‘Key Change’ is currently available to view online for free. Key Change was devised with women in HMP Low Newton to tour to male prisons.  Winner of The Carol Tambor ‘Best of Edinburgh’ Award 2015, Key Change premiered in New York in 2016 and was the prestigious New York Times Critics’ Pick.

NSPCC
The NSPCC’s Learning e-mail includes a number of links to resources which are helpful for children about Covid-19 and how parents / carers can talk to them about the issue.
 

FLOWS (Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors) 
This is a legal support service, designed to help protect women against domestic abuse. Phone line and email consultancy remains in place: 0203 745 7707 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday).

A self-referral app has been created if it is difficult for a women isolating with her abuser to call us discreetly - women can contact us without having to call us or access an email account and this page can be accessed  by clicking here. This is in addition to our existing referral app for statutory organisations and front line professionals which can be found by clicking here. We are also exploring other safe contact methods such as web chat and this should be live shortly.

Domestic abise survivors can directly register for CourtNav without having to be referred by an organisation or the FLOWS team first. Please click here to access CourtNav. CourtNav will be accessible 24/7 and directs survivors to domestically accredited legal aid providers who can assist them. For any technical difficulties accessing CourtNav, survivors can either email or call: 0203 974 7899 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-12pm on Saturdays. Closed on bank holidays).

This page was updated on 25 June 2020

 

How to help others affected by domestic abuse

Here you will find information on how to help if you believe someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse.

Northumberland’s Community Safety Partnership, Children’s Safeguarding Board and Adult Safeguarding Board continue to recognise domestic violence and abuse and sexual violence as key priorities. The Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) and Sexual Violence (SV) multi-agency business group is tasked by the three boards to drive the agenda forward.

The Northumberland DVA and SV business group exists to coordinate strategy and maximise resources to afford protection, provision and prevention for those who have or are experiencing or at risk of, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Northumberland.

Our 2018-2021 strategy can be found here, along with the action plan for 2018-2019.

Click here for the latest version of the MARAC Operational Protocol.
 
If you suspect or know someone is affected by domestic violence you should approach this sensitively and, if a disclosure is made, explain to them that:
  • you will support them in any way you can, but be honest about your level of experience and refer to appropriate agencies who can offer a more appropriate level of support
  • inform them there are fully trained people who will understand their situation, and be able to help them
  • you will keep this information confidential, unless there is a statutory responsibility to safeguard children or vulnerable adults at risk, or others who may be at risk of significant harm or death
  • they are not alone. This is a significant hidden harm for many people. One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some stage in their lives
  • it is not their fault
  • you will listen to them and take them seriously
  • you will be there for them, regardless of their decisions
  • you will not judge them
  • you will help them find support and advice
  • you will not try to intervene
  • you will respect their need to be secretive, unless there is risk of significant harm or death
  • you do not expect them simply to  leave, because:
    • they may need help to leave
    • they may not want to leave
    • they may want the abuser to leave
It is important, when obtaining the contact details of a victim, any telephone numbers or addresses they provide are a safe means of contact. Whatever the circumstances, do not put yourself in a dangerous position and be careful not to endanger them further.
A list of local and national support agencies can be found on the pages below.

Further information can be provided by the Northumberland & North Tyneside Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Coordinator on 01670 622 724 or email.

Domestic abuse against parents and carers

This page provides information on adolescent to parent violence and abuse (APVA), which is also known as adolescent to parent violence (APV), adolescent violence in the home (AVITH), parent abuse, child to parent abuse, child to parent violence (CPV), or battered parent syndrome

It is shocking when you are abused by your own child. Both boys and girls may use threatening behaviour, insult or swear at you, damage your home and physically hurt you or other brothers and sisters.

Your teenager may feel they can do this because they have seen a parent/carer act in this way and think that they can get away with it because nothing has been done to stop such behaviour in the past. They may not feel that there are ways of dealing with problems other than through violence. The influence of friends, alcohol and drugs can all play a part in the way your teenager reacts to situations. Stress in other areas of their lives - at school or with friends may be affecting them and leading them to hit out at you.

Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights and comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of female genitalia, or any other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

 

Forced marriage & honour-based violence

This section gives you information and contact details regarding forced marriage and honour-based violence.

 
There is a clear distinction between a forced and an arranged marriage.

In arranged marriages, the family of both spouses take leading roles in arrangements, but the choice of whether to accept or not, remains with the prospective spouses.

In forced marriage, one or both spouses do not – or in the case of some vulnerable adults, cannot – consent to the marriage and duress is involved. This can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

All practitioners working with victims of forced marriage need to be aware of the ‘one chance’ rule. That is, they may only have one chance to speak to a potential victim, and thus only one chance to save a life.

This means practitioners need to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations when they come across forced marriage cases. If a victim is allowed to leave without support, their chance may be lost.

Regardless of circumstances, victims have rights that should always be respected, such as safety and accurate information about their rights and choices. Practitioners should listen to and respect the wishes of the victim.

Disclosures of forced marriage should not be dismissed as a domestic issue. For many, seeking help is a last resort and therefore all disclosures should be taken seriously. Involving families in the case of forced marriages may increase the risk of serious harm to a victim.
The term ‘honour crime’ or ‘honour-based violence’ embraces a variety of crimes – mainly, but not exclusively against women. This includes assault, imprisonment and murder, where their family or community are punishing the victim.

They are being punished for undermining what the family/community believes to be the correct code of behaviour. In transgressing this, the victim shows they have not been properly controlled to conform and this is to be the ‘shame’ or ‘dishonour’ of the family.

Forced Marriage Unit
The government has set up the Forced Marriage Unit to provide practical support, information and advice. This is a joint initiative between the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Home Office.

Forced marriage multi-agency practice guidelines
The unit has published a revised set of practice guidelines to help frontline professionals work more closely together and to better identify/protect children and adults at risk. Karma Nirvana
Established in 1993, Karma Nirvana has developed from a local project to an international project in relation to forced marriage and honour-based violence. Karma Nirvana supports women, men and couples. Honour Network is a project designed to support victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based violence. Choice
A helpline, established by Cleveland Police, now includes Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary and consists of specially trained staff. Advice/support can be obtained in relation to forced marriage and honour-based violence.
  • Telephone: 0800 5999 365

Practical advice for people fleeing domestic abuse

Here you will find practical advice for people fleeing domestic abuse.

 
If a victim is thinking about leaving, they need to take with them:
  • money, credit cards
  • emergency numbers
  • any ID, birth and marriage certificates, driving licence, bank books, rent book, court orders/injunctions
  • house/car/office keys
  • passport/visa/work permit
  • address book
  • any medication
  • children’s favourite toy
  • change of clothes and toiletries
  • mobile phone and charger
You may want to leave an emergency bag with a trusted friend, relative or support agency.

Click here to view the Domestic Abuse Support Service Safety Planning Leaflet for further information.
There are many reasons why people stay in, or return to, abusive relationships. Here is a list of some of those reasons.

Emotional difficulties
  • Power - The coercive and controlling behaviour of the perpetrator of the abuse can be a factor.
  • Fear of partner - People are often terrified of being found by their abusers. Experience shows this fear is justified. Abusers will go to extraordinary lengths to trace their victims.
  • Fear of living alone - They may have been kept in isolation and feel they have no friends, or have been denied contact with their family. They may have been totally controlled and do not know how to cope alone.
  • Lack of self-respect/confidence - They may have come to believe all the names they have been called and therefore feel worthless.
  • Guilt - They may have been told it is their own fault, they have provoked him/her and therefore they get what they deserve.
  • Drugs/alcohol - Either of these can be used as a means of control.
  • Love - It is perfectly possible to love someone, but hate what they do. They may want the abuse to stop, but not the relationship.
  • Hope - Victims are often optimistic and want to believe the abuser when they say they won’t do it again.
Practical difficulties
  • Money - They may have no money of their own and no idea they are entitled to benefits.
  • Accommodation - Where will they go? Even if they know their way around the ‘system’, the prospect of moving to a refuge of B&B can be daunting.
  • Possessions - They may have to leave absolutely everything behind in the knowledge they are unlikely to see any of it again.
  • Children - They may feel guilty about uprooting their children from school, friends, family, pets and their other parents, with who they might have a good relationship. They may also fear the children may be taken away from them if they disclose domestic abuse.
  • Skills - If they have been controlled, given no money, clothes or social contacts, or more generally, no access to the public world, they may not know how to leave.

 

Useful contacts for domestic violence, abuse & safeguarding issues

Here you will find useful Northumberland contact details for domestic violence, abuse, sexual abuse and safeguarding issues.

 
The Domestic Abuse Support Service in Northumberland is a fully integrated service with a single point of contact available 24 hours a day. 

Providing confidential, high quality specialist support and advice for women and men who are at risk of domestic abuse..

Advice about the services, including support with domestic abuse, can be accessed through the triage service by calling the confidential phone line available any time day or night.
NDAS is a registered charity providing comprehensive support to those affected by or experiencing Domestic Abuse living in Northumberland. We provide services to women, men, young people, older people, people with disabilities, gay, straight, bi, lesbian and trans, our services are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
 
We offer a free and confidential service, providing emotional and practical, working closely in partnership with other specialist local organisations.  
 
We have services for:
  • Women aged 26 years and over
  • Young women aged 16 to 25 years
  • Men and boys aged 16 years and over
  • CADAN Project for children of our Service Users up to the age of 16 years  
We provide training on Abusive Relationships, Young People Affected by Intimate Partner Violence and Session Planning to other organisations. We provide awareness and prevention group work programmes and activites in schools, colleges and also within youth and community settings.
 
Our aim is to protect and empower all our service users by providing flexible and professional support throughout Northumberland.
Cygnus Support is a wellbeing service and registered charity supporting anyone over 14 years of age to achieve better mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Cygnus Support is funded by the Big Lottery Fund the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and is a partner in The Bridge Project which is funded by the European Social Fund and National Lottery, through the Big Lottery Fund as part of the Building Better Opportunities Programme.

Cygnus Support provides the following services free of charge to people living in Northumberland:
  • One to one counselling and psychotherapy
  • Specialist counselling for people who have experienced or are still experiencing domestic abuse and for victims of crime including sexual violence or assault
  • Recovery Toolkit Course for survivors of domestic abuse
  • Women’s only drop in service
  • Wellbeing courses e.g. relaxation, Tai Chi
They deliver services in their 5 hub areas of Ashington, Blyth, Hexham, Alnwick and Berwick.
Grace is part of Rape Crisis Tyneside Northumberland and supports women and girls aged 13 upwards who have experienced any kind of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Their services are for all women and girls; this includes those who identify as Lesbian, Bi, Trans and/or Queer and black and minority ethnic women and girls.  Also, refugees and those seeking asylum, and disabled women and girls as well as those with additional learning needs.

There are many forms of sexual violence including: rape, sexual assault, on-line sexual abuse, sending sexual images without consent, stalking, partner and stranger sexual abuse. Grace supports women and girls whether the abuse they experienced was recent or historic.

Offering:
  • Counselling; from women counsellors who are accredited by the BACP. There are a number of confidential outreach bases across Northumberland where counselling takes place.
  • Practical and Emotional support; specialising in supporting women and girls to navigate the criminal justice process and also offering support with housing, finances, employment, education, health, or just having someone to talk to who can provide reassurance and encouragement.
  • Telephone: 0191 222 0272 (General Enquiries & Referrals)
  • Helpline & Email Support: 0800 035 2794 or emailsupport@rctn.org.uk (Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 6pm - 8:30pm and Fri 11am - 2pm)
  • Website: http://www.gracenrc.org.uk/
REACH provides rape examination, advice, counselling and help. There are two centres, one in Newcastle and the other in Sunderland.
The Angelou Centre have launched their new helpline for agencies who are working with black and minority survivors of domestic and sexual violence and who have no recourse to public funds. 

The helpline can also be accessed directly by survivors who have queries around no recourse to public funds. You will be able to get expert advice and guidance on any issues relating to domestic and sexual violence. 

Helpline number: 0191 226 0981

Opening hours: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, Monday to Thursday

If you have any queries about the helpline, please contact Anne Iqbal: anne@angelou-centre.org.uk.
 
This website offers general advice about community safety in Northumberland, information about campaigns and links to other service providers.
The trust supports vulnerable adults who are being abused by the following means:
  • emotional abuse such as humiliation, harassment, social isolation, threats, verbal abuse and intimidation
  • neglect, where a person suffers because their health or physical needs are being neglected by a care giver
  • financial abuse, including theft, fraud or using a vulnerable adult’s property without permission
  • physical abuse, such as hitting, pushing, shaking, not giving the right medication and bodily neglect
  • sexual abuse, where a vulnerable adult cannot or does not give their consent, or sexual harrassment
For further information and support:
Telephone: 01670 536400 (during office hours) or 0345 6005252 (out of office hours)
Website: https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/quality-and-safety/keeping-patients-safe/safeguarding/
We all have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Northumberland safeguarding children board has developed this website to provide easily accessible and up-to-date safeguarding information for professionals, children and young people, families and members of the public.

The site also provides some information on a range of safeguarding issues for parents and carers and children and young people in Northumberland. We provide links to the websites of other organisations where we know more advice on specific subjects is available.
Emergency: If a child is in immediate danger or left alone, you should contact the police or call an ambulance on 999.

If you think you or someone that you know has been the victim of abuse then please tell someone.

You can report abuse and neglect by completing the forms at the links below:
 
 
 
 
 
Or
Telephone Onecall: 01670 536400 open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day
 
 
Early Help Assessments

To make a referral to the Early Help Hubs please send your referral to: earlyinterventionhub@northumberland.gov.uk   
For enquiries about completion or registrations of Early Help Assessments please contact Onecall: 01670 536400

Regional support services for victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence & safeguarding

Below are contact details for useful support services that exist in our region.

 
Victims First Northumbria is an independent and free victim referral service. We put the victim at the heart of everything we do. We ensure victims of crime, whether referred by police, another agency, or self-referrals are contacted by a co-ordinator, who will give them help and support to cope and recover.

Being a victim of a crime can be traumatic and Victims First understands everyone’s differing needs and situations, always giving the best possible support, care and advice. PLEASE NOTE: During the COVID-19 lockdown, our helpline is not in operation; there are still multiple ways in which a victim or a third party organisation can get in touch with us: 
  • Live Chat - Our live chat service is manned 9am—4pm and anyone can access this via our website https:// victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk/, our website also has an online referral form.
  • Email - enquiries@victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk with any queries or a referral.
  • Text— 0786 495 9837 anyone can text this number requesting a call back or further support. This number is manned 9am—4pm. All referrals or requests for support will be followed up by a Coordinator within 48 hours.
MESMAC is a gay/bisexual men’s health project offering free HIV tests, advice and information on many different health issues including PEP (exposure to HIV treatment), counselling, sexual health services, sexually transmitted infections and much more. We also provide services such as group helplines and a drop-in service.

Our services are:
  • open to all gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men, including those who are unsure if they’re gay or bisexual
  • for men who are HIV positive, negative or don’t know
  • confidential
Telephone: 0191 233 1333 (Monday to Friday 1pm - 5pm)
Website: http://mesmacnewcastle.com/
Annual DIVA Walk (Don’t Ignore Violence and Abuse) 2019 Poster 

Northumberland-NSSP-DA-Toolkit 
The purpose of this toolkit is to support front line practitioners and NSSP partner organisations who come into contact with and support families who experience domestic abuse. The documents have been collated from a variety of services/organisations and embedded with direct weblinks that offers up to date information, as well as additional resources to advertise Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.
The Dogs Trust offers free fostering service for dogs belonging to people fleeing domestic abuse.

Useful national support for domestic abuse victims

Listed below are a number of national organisations who help victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, as well as safeguarding those who are vulnerable.

 
The 24-hour free phone national domestic violence helpline runs in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge and is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence. Family, friends, colleagues and others may call on their behalf. Refuge have a Tech Abuse & Tech Safety Resources for Survivors and Professionals.
The national stalking network has been established by Network for Surviving Stalking, Protection against Stalking and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. It is the first national helpline to specialise in providing information and advice to victims of harassment and stalking as well as their friends and family.
Women’s Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action.
Mankind is the UK’s leading charity for supporting male victims of abuse.
Broken Rainbow provides the national helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people experiencing domestic violence.
This free phone helpline is for both female and male survivors, partners, friends and family. It is open from noon to 2pm and 7pm to 9.30pm every day of the year.
If you are a man who is worried about your behaviour towards your partner, or if you have been abusive or violent, you can get information from the respect phone line.
 
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) England works to protect older people from abuse and neglect.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.
This UK charity is committed to ending gender based violence and abuse. AVA has resources such as the Silent Solution Guide (what to do if you need to call 999 but can't speak).
The Halo Project Charity is a national project that will support victims of honour-based violence, forced marriages and FGM by providing appropriate advice and support to victims. We will also work with key partners to provide required interventions and advice necessary for the protection and safety of victims.

Tel: 08081 788 424 (free phone) if emergency or 01642 683 045 for non-emergencies
Website: https://www.haloproject.org.uk/

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