Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse can take many forms. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, economic and coercive control – and can have devastating impacts on those who are victims of it – as well as their loved ones.

More than 1.7 million women would experience domestic abuse in the year ending March 2022 – but only 62.5% of these incidents and crimes would go reported. That percentage was a 7.7% increase on the year prior, meaning things are trending in the right direction, but clearly there remains a long way to go in this regard.

National Support:

If you or someone that you know is a victim of domestic abuse, you are not alone – there is help available. There are a number of domestic abuse helplines and resources that you can access free and confidentially.

Amongst the most reputable include:

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline by Refuge. Call 0808 2000 247
• VictimSupport. Call 0808 168 9111
• Galop, the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. Call 0800 999 5428
• The Bright Sky app, there to support victims and those you’re concerned may be experiencing domestic abuse

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. If you cannot speak and are calling by mobile, press 55 to have your call transferred to the police.

Local Support:

If experiencing domestic abuse, you might feel more comfortable reaching out to a local and more personalised service. Below, we list some of the most reputable within the North East – but we encourage you to visit the Women’s Aid Directory to find more services that are local to you.

• Domestic Abuse & Safeguarding (at Gateshead Health) – Led by Paul Atkinson, this service can be accessed confidentially on 0191 445 2036 or via email on [email protected]
• Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team – Led by Gateshead Council, and offering a 24/7 helpline on 0191 433 3333
• Newcastle Women’s Aid – A charity by women, for women, providing support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse. Call 0191 261 0504 or freephone 0800 923 2622
• IDAS – The largest specialist charity in the North of England supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence
• Changing Lives – Providing safe accommodation for women who have experienced domestic abuse and cannot access mainstream services or refuge.
• SomeOne Cares, a free counselling service for survivors of abuse and those who have supported them
• Newcastle Law Centre – Providing free legal advice for those who cannot afford a solicitor and who are not elgiible for funded advice through legal aid. Call 0191 230 4777
• West End Women and Girls – Offering domestic abuse services to those between 11 – 25 years old, and their Safe 4 Life recovery course for those over 25
• The Angelou Centre – A black-led women’s organisation offering holistic practical and emotional support services for Black and Minority Ethnic women in the North East. Call 0191 226 0394.

Harassment

Harassment against women can impact our dignity, security and wellbeing. Harassment can take many forms – sexual advances, stalking, cyber-harassment, verbal abuse, physical assault and coercion to name a few.

While it is generally accepted that harassment is a repeated pattern of behaviour, this can exclude certain experience such as harassment from strangers on the street or on public transport.

National Support:

There are many national support services that can help women who have experienced or are at risk of various forms of harassment. Amongst some of the most reputable of these include:

• The Suzy Lamlugh Trust, who also run the National Stalking Helpline and who provide guidance and information to anyone who is currently or has previously been affected by harassment or stalking. Call 0808 802 0300 between these opening times
• The Revenge Porn Helpline, which offers advice, guidance and support for those aged 18+ who have been victims of intimate image abuse. Call 0345 6000 459 between 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)
• The Cyber Helpline, which provides free, expert help for victims of cybercrime and online harm and is available 24/7 through their chatbot.
• The Paladin Service, which supports high-risk victims of stalking. Call 020 3866 4107

Local Support:

Those experiencing harassment may also wish to receive support more locally at services they can access face-to-face. Included amongst some of the most reputable in the North East are:

• Newcastle Women’s Aid – A charity by women, for women, providing support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse. Call 0191 261 0504 or freephone 0800 923 2622
• Tyneside Women’s Health – Improving mental health for for women and girls by offering support groups, counselling and routes to recovery in Newcastle and Gateshead

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse takes many forms – inclusive of rape, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, image-based sexual abuse and more – and can take a toll on the mental wellbeing and safety of victims.

National Support:

There are a number of national organisations dedicated to supporting those who have been victims of sexual abuse. Amongst the most reputable include:

• Rape Crisis National Helpline – A feminist charity working to end sexual violence and abuse, and helping you to take the first steps to seeking support. Call 0808 500 222.
• The Survivors Trust – providing confidential support, info and advice to those who’ve experienced sexual abuse or rape. Call 0808 801 0818.
• The National Association for People Abused in Childhood – Supporting recovery from childhood abuse for adult survivors of any form of child abuse. Call 0808 801 0331.
• Galop – A UK LGBT+ anti-abuse charity with a dedicated sexual violence helpline. Call 0800 999 5428.

Local Support:

Those who have experienced sexual abuse may be more comfortable confiding in someone face-to-face or through more local services. Amongst the most reputable in the region include:

• Northumbria Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Operating out of Newcastle and providing support to those who have experienced sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099.
• Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland – Providing services to women and girls who work, live or study in Tyneside & Northumberland, and who have experienced any form of sexual violence.
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (Durham and Darlington), providing free and safe support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence.