Domestic abuse

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Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team provide support for adult victim/survivors including advice and guidance and practical support. The team have a range of resources, interventions and expertise available to support those who have experienced domestic abuse and their families covering issues such as trauma bonding, power and control, dynamics and tactics of abuse and warning signs that a relationship is unhealthy. Support is aimed at those individuals at Medium or High risk as a result of the Domestic Abuse they are experiencing.

On this page

• Types of abuse
• Worried about a child
• Worried about a vulnerable adult
• Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
• Support for abusive partners
• Other organisations providing help
• Referral form for professionals

Types of abuse

Anyone can be affected by domestic abuse and it's important to understand the different kinds of abuse. Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual abuse)
• psychological and/or emotional abuse
• physical or sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• harassment and stalking
• online or digital abuse
• honour based abuse
• economic abuse

If you're worried about any of the above or would like to find out more about a situation, you or someone you know is in, then ring our helpline on 0191 433 3333 or contact any of the organisations listed below.

Worried about a child

If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact our children's services, in confidence. 

In an emergency always call 999.

Worried about a vulnerable adult

If you think someone is at risk of abuse, neglect or domestic violence, you need to report it.

In an emergency always call 999.

Are you 18 or under?

Whatever your worry, you can get confidential advice and support whenever you need help from:
Childline (opens new window) - 0800 11 11
NSPCC (opens new window) - 0808 800 5000

Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

Clare's Law is a national scheme that ensures people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary. Clare's Law gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. Under Clare's Law, a member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

The domestic violence disclosure scheme is free and always 100% confidential. So if you're worried about your own relationship, or someone else's, ask the police to check the record - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Find out how to make a Clare's Law request (opens new window)

Support for abusive partners

SWITCH

If you're worried about some of your behaviours and you want to take steps to change them, Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team also has a Behaviour Change Programme which works with abusive partners. The programme is available to those who wish to address their behaviour and develops an individual's understanding of accountability, coercion, and the impact of abuse on partners and children, before developing their understanding of warning signs and sore points and how to de-escalate these.

For further information, or if you feel you would benefit from the SWITCH programme please contact the Gateshead Domestic Abuse team

Respect

The Respect Helpline also provides help for abusive partners to become safe around your partner and children, See: Help For Domestic Violence Perpetrators | Respect Phoneline UK (opens new window)

Other organisations providing help

Codeword scheme - Ask for ANI (opens new window) If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for 'ANI' in a participating pharmacy.

www.refuge.org.uk (opens new window) national Domestic Abuse helpline, freephone 24 hour helpline 0808 2000 247

Galop (opens new window) LGBT+ Domestic Abuse helpline 0800 999 5428, help@galop.org.uk

Men's Advice Line (opens new window) - for male victims and those supporting them, 0808 801 0327, info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Mankind Initiative (opens new window) male victims of domestic abuse can get confidential help, 0182 333 4244

Karma Nirvana (opens new window) - UK helpline for 'honour'-based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse, 0800 5999 247, support@karmanirvana.org.uk

Respect helpline (opens new window), for anyone worried about their own behaviour, 0808 802 0321

Sign Health (opens new window), support for Deaf victims of domestic abuse. Text 07800 003421 or email da@signhealth.org.uk

Crimestoppers (opens new window), if you see or hear domestic abuse or need support

Women's Aid (opens new window) information and support for women, a live chat service is available

Victim Support (opens new window) 24 hour support line, 0808 168 9111

Voices (opens new window) for domestic abuse victims and survivors to influence change and share experiences on a virtual platform

If you are worried about who would look after your dog The Dogs Trust (opens new window) may be able to help. Call 0207 837 0006 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Visit GOV.UK (opens new window) for more advice and links to a wider range of support groups.

Visit Northumbria Police (opens new window) to find out about services available across the region.

Referral form for professionals 

If you are a professional or from an organisation and want to make a referral, complete the referral form (Word doc, 368 KB)(opens new window).

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