Domestic abuse
Are you in immediate danger?
If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away and ask for the police. If it is not safe for you to speak the police can still help you by using their 'Silent Solution'. Simply stay silent and press 55 when prompted.
For non-emergencies, you can call Northumbria Police on 101.
Need to talk? For advice and support, please contact our Domestic Abuse 24 hour helpline on 0191 433 3333
On this page
- About Domestic Abuse
- Recognising Domestic Abuse
- Domestic Abuse Teams who can help
- Worried abut a child?
- Worried about a vulnerable adult
- Risk checklist
- Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
- Support for those who cause harm
- Additional support services
About Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain or maintain power and control over another. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, or background.
Domestic abuse does not always involve physical violence. It can be subtle, persistent, and damaging over time.
Domestic abuse can include one or more of the following behaviours:
Controlling and coercive behaviour
This includes isolating someone from friends or family, monitoring their movements, controlling what they wear or who they speak to, or making them feel dependent and powerless.
Emotional or psychological abuse
This may involve intimidation, threats, humiliation, name calling, constant criticism, gaslighting, or making someone feel responsible for the abuse.
Physical or sexual abuse
This includes physical assault, threats of violence, forced sexual activity, or using violence or fear to control someone.
Financial or economic abuse
This can involve controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, taking their income, or putting debts in their name without consent.
Harassment or stalking
This includes repeated unwanted contact, following, monitoring online activity, or using technology to track or intimidate someone.
Recognising Domestic Abuse
You may be experiencing domestic abuse if you feel:
- afraid of your partner or family member
- constantly anxious, controlled, or "walking on eggshells"
- isolated from people or support
- blamed for behaviour that isn't your fault
Abuse is never acceptable, and it is never your fault.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or think you might be, you can get advice and support today.
Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team
Need to talk? For advice and support, please contact our Domestic Abuse 24 hour helpline on 0191 433 3333.
Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team provide support for adult victim/survivors, including advice, guidance and practical support.
Support is aimed at individuals at medium or high risk as a result of domestic abuse.
Find out more about the Domestic Abuse Team or make a referral.
Gateshead Housing Domestic Abuse Outreach Team
Are you feeling unsafe where you live? For specialist housing advice and support, please call 0191 433 3174.
Gateshead Housing Domestic Abuse Outreach Team provide specialist advice, support and advocacy to help you find somewhere to live or support you to stay safe in your home.
Gateshead Housing Solutions
If you are homeless or worried about becoming homeless, please visit our homelessness page for more information on how to contact us for advice and support.
Gateshead Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
Gateshead MARAC is a weekly meeting where statutory and voluntary agencies share information on high-risk cases of domestic abuse and create a plan to reduce risk to the victim/survivor, and their children, and hold perpetrators to account.
High-risk is defined as someone being at high risk of serious injury or death as a result of the domestic abuse.
Any professional working with victims and survivors, children or perpetrators can refer to the MARAC. The perpetrator must not be informed of the referral as this can increase risk to the victim or survivor.
To make a referral to, please complete the MARAC referral form below and email to [email protected]
Gateshead MARAC referral form (Word doc, 122 KB)(opens new window)
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
Risk checklist
Our risk checklist will help is determine how at risk you are. There are 24 short questions for you to answer, please answer all of the questions honestly, you do not have to give further details if you don't want to. This checklist is for adults over the age of 18.
Clare's Law - Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme
Clare's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) aims to ensure that more people can make informed decisions about their relationship and escape if necessary.
Clare's Law allows you to find out about someone you are in a relationship with. You can ask the police if the person has a criminal record or if they might be dangerous. You can ask the police if you think that you, or someone you know, might be at risk.
For more information, or to make a request under Clare's Law go to the Northumbria Police website (opens new window).
Support for those who cause harm
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 people who cause harm. 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
Phone: 0191 433 3333
Email: [email protected]
Respect
The Respect Phoneline (opens new window) also provides help for abusive partners to become safe around your partner and children.
Gateshead domestic abuse directory
Gateshead Domestic Abuse Partnership has produced a directory of services for those affected by domestic abuse in Gateshead.
This directory provides information on a range of services for anyone affected by domestic abuse. It covers local, regional and national services for adults, children, and young people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, as well as those who are causing harm and are looking for help to change their behaviour.
Search the directory or download a PDF version (PDF, 703 KB)(opens new window).
Additional support services
The following organisations provide specialist support that may be helpful:
Karma Nirvana (opens new window) - support for 'honour'-based abuse, forced marriage and domestic abuse
Women's Aid (opens new window) - information and support for women, including a live chat service
Voices (opens new window) - a platform for domestic abuse victims and survivors to influence change and share experiences on a virtual platform
Northumbria Police (opens new window) - information about services available across the region
GOV.UK (opens new window) - advice and links to a wider range of support services