Domestic Abuse

Everyone has the right to live without fear or violence.

Domestic abuse, also called domestic violence, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. 

All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation. 

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help. 

It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and #YouAreNot Alone. 

Support services in Northumberland

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Support Service 

Northumberland County Council works alongside its partners to deliver an Integrated Domestic Abuse Service for residents in the county. 

Harbour: 24 hour helpline and live chat 

Harbour Support Services work with families and individuals who are affected by abuse from a partner, former partner or other family member. 

If you or someone you know is being abused or being abusive call the 24 hour helpline, live chat or use their website to learn about the help available. 

• 24 hour helpline: 01670 820199  
• A Safety Plan can help you think about how you can increase your safety either within the relationship or if you decide to leave. 

NDAS 

NDAS is here to support anyone affected by any type of domestic violence or abuse. 

Services include: 

• Immediate Response (9am – 5pm weekdays) 
• Domestic Abuse Practitioners provide personalised practical and emotional support  
• Counselling for the children and young people of our clients 
• Domestic Abuse Programmes delivered to people affected by domestic abuse  
• Prevention and awareness-raising activities and training, to children and young people in school and youth group settings, to local communities and professionals 

 

Telephone: 01434 608030 (9.00am – 5.00pm) 

Webchat (9.30am – 3.00pm Monday to Friday) 

 

Acorns: specialist domestic abuse support for children 

Acorns offer a range of services to support children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse in Northumberland. 

Telephone 0191 349 8366 

Email admin@acornsproject.org.uk 

Text a question 07712 862 858 (office hours only) 

 

Cygnus Support: For Counselling and mental health support 

Cygnus Support helps people in Northumberland to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 

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 

 

Grace: For women who need to talk to someone about rape or sexual abuse  

Grace is part of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland. It provides free, safe, professional support and information for women and girls over 13 who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. 

 

 

Help if you are worried about your own behaviour 

Harbour can provide a range support services to both victims and anyone who is using abusive behavior. 

 
24 hour helpline: 01670 820199  

Visit the 24 hour Harbour live chat. 

 

Findaway: Worried about someone else? 

If you’re worried someone you know is being controlled, scared, or hurt by their partner, ex-partner or a family member, findaway can offer support and advice. 

Phone:  0300 140 0061 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday. This phone line is completely anonymous) 

Email: hello@findaway.org.uk

 

 

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

 Find out more on GOV.UK.  

 

Information on the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

To highlight the issue of violence against women and girls and domestic abuse, the council and its partners are taking part in 16 Days of Activism with a range of events and awareness-raising activities, including a parkrun takeover. Our Family Hubs will also be running lots of activities and sharing information about where anyone affected by domestic abuse can find support. 

 Find out more on our 16 days of action Padlet. 

 

In 2021 the county council made the decision to work towards White Ribbon accreditation to cement, as an authority, its commitment to ending domestic abuse and sexual violence in the county.

The White Ribbon Organisation is a charity that works to encourage everyone, and especially men and boys, to make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and girls.   
 
White Ribbon Ambassadors are men who engage with other men and boys in their day to day lives to call out abusive and sexist behaviour and White Ribbon Champions are women who play an essential role by encouraging men to get involved and in finding opportunities to inspire and inform others through presentations, conversations and social media.   
 
Organisations across the county can to get involved and join the county council’s pledge to end domestic abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board develops and implements the Northumberland Domestic Abuse strategy in response to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. 

This will build on and take forward the significant work that is already taking place to respond effectively to domestic abuse. The importance of engaging with, listening to and learning from people who have experienced and suffered from domestic abuse is central to our work and the prevalence and impact of this means that we must encourage everyone to play their part and work together to achieve our vision. 

Our 2021-2024 Strategy can be found here and our Northumberland Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment

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