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Domestic abuse support

Domestic abuse is unacceptable. Everyone deserves to, and should, live without fear. There is no excuse.

Information about domestic abuse and support services can be found on the Stockton Information Directory.

Read our  Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022 - 2028 (PDF) [466KB] .

Urgent Support

If you have any reason to think someone is in immediate danger, or your life may be at risk, call 999.

  • if you don't speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police (pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn't allow the police to track your location. If you don't press 55 your call will be ended)
  • if you're deaf, hard of hearing or can't communicate verbally you can register with the emergency SMS service. Text REGISTER to 999
  • if you're experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned for someone who is, report it to us by calling 101
  • if you're deaf, hard of hearing or can't communicate verbally, use our text phone service on 18001101

Harbour

Harbour is the main provider of services for services for individuals or families affected by domestic abuse in Stockton-on-Tees.

Harbour offers support to individuals and families by providing safe accommodation and practical support in the community to women, men and children, including a range of one-to-one and group programmes.

For those who have experienced sexual violence, Harbour can provide a counselling service, with both individual and group support.

Harbour can also provide advice to those worried about a friend or relative who they believe may be in an abusive relationship.

 

Men's Advice Line

Men's Advice Line is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for men affected by domestic abuse.

The organisation offers advice and emotional support to men who experience abuse, as well as signposting to other vital services that help men keep themselves (and their children) safe. The helpline's friendly advisors provide confidential support, practical advice and information.

Visit the Men's Advice Line website, webchat support is available Wednesday, 10am to 11:30am and 2:30pm to 4pm.

Men's Advice Line telephone service is available Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm. It is free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK, and also free from BT pay phones. Your call will not appear on itemised bills.

  • telephone: 0808 8010327

Email support is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.

 

Halo Project

The Halo Project Charity is a national project supporting victims of honour-based violence, forced marriages and FGM.

The charity provides appropriate advice and support to victims, and works with key partners to provide required interventions and advice necessary for the protection and safety of victims.

Their free and confidential service is tailored to suit the needs of the individual and includes practical support, advocacy services including support to access legal service and to attend court, and referrals to emergency refuge accommodation and housing providers.

 

Protect yourself and stay safe while seeking help

Please visit the Women's Aid website - Cover your tracks online for information on how to protect yourself whilst seeking help, and 'cover your tracks' in terms of online safety.

Understanding domestic abuse

Anyone can suffer from domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. Domestic abuse is a crime and is completely unacceptable. We can help.

The law has recently changed, and more behaviours and actions are now classed as domestic abuse; further information can be found on the GOV.UK website - Domestic Abuse - how to get help.

Some common forms of domestic abuse include:

  • feeling afraid
  • being hurt
  • afraid to challenge
  • being manipulated
  • being monitored
  • being forced to do something you don't want to do, for example taking out a loan or lending or giving money

You are not alone and there are services which can help and support you every step of the way to a life free from abuse.