Support for Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse – Housing Support and Staying Safe

If you are in immediate danger

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.

If you cannot speak, call 999 from a mobile phone and press 55 when prompted to let the operator know you need police assistance. If it is safe to do so, leave the property and go to a trusted neighbour, friend, family member or public place.

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Domestic abuse and your Homefinder application

Nobody should have to remain in an unsafe home.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are fleeing abuse, you may qualify for additional housing priority through the Northumberland Homefinder scheme. Each application is assessed individually and confidentially.

You do not need to remain in an abusive situation before seeking help.

When assessing your application, Homefinder may ask for supporting information where appropriate. This could include information from:

  • Police

  • Domestic abuse support services

  • Social care

  • Health professionals

  • Other agencies supporting you

Your safety and confidentiality will always be treated as a priority.

For more information about applying for social housing in Northumberland, visit the Northumberland Homefinder website or contact the Homefinder Team on 0345 600 6400.

Emergency accommodation and housing advice: If you need emergency accommodation because you are experiencing domestic abuse, please contact Northumberland County Council's Customer Experience Team on 0345 600 6400. They will arrange for a member of the Homelessness and Housing Options Team to contact you to assess your circumstances and provide tailored advice and support.

You do not have to be homeless or threatened with homelessness to speak to the Homelessness and Housing Options Team. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, they can discuss your housing options, help you plan for your safety, and advise on any emergency accommodation that may be available.

If you have already completed a Northumberland Homefinder application, it is still important that you contact the Customer Experience Team. A Homefinder application alone does not replace an assessment by the Homelessness and Housing Options Team, and speaking to them will ensure you receive the most appropriate advice and support for your individual circumstances.

The Customer Experience Team is available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. If you need assistance outside these hours, the Homelessness and Housing Options Team operates an out-of-hours service on 01670 536400.

Local support in Northumberland

Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS)

NDAS provides free, confidential support to anyone aged 16 or over affected by domestic abuse across Northumberland, regardless of gender, sexuality or background.

Support includes:

  • Safety planning

  • Emotional and practical support

  • Independent advocacy

  • Help accessing emergency accommodation and refuge

  • Support with housing and legal options

  • Children's and young people's support

  • Recovery programmes and group work

Telephone: 01434 608030

Email: admin@nda.services

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm

Self-referrals can be made directly through the NDAS website.

Harbour Integrated Domestic Abuse Service

Harbour provides:

  • 24-hour domestic abuse helpline

  • Live webchat

  • Safety planning

  • Refuge and accommodation support

  • Support for adults and families experiencing abuse

24-hour Helpline: 01670 820199

National support services

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)

Available 24 hours a day for women experiencing domestic abuse.

Freephone: 0808 2000 247

Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Women's Aid

Provides information, live chat, local support services and refuge information.

Website: www.womensaid.org.uk

Men's Advice Line

Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse.

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk

ManKind Initiative

Support for male victims of domestic abuse.

Telephone: 01823 334244

Website: www.mankind.org.uk

Galop

National support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Website: www.galop.org.uk

Karma Nirvana

Specialist support for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.

Telephone: 0800 5999 247

Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk

Respect

Support and information for people concerned about their own abusive behaviour and professionals working with perpetrators.

Telephone: 0808 802 4040

Website: www.respect.uk.net

Victim Support

Free and confidential support for anyone affected by crime, including domestic abuse.

Telephone: 08 08 16 89 111

Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

Your information is confidential

If you tell Homefinder that you are experiencing domestic abuse:

  • Your information will be handled sensitively.

  • Information will only be shared where necessary and in accordance with safeguarding and legal requirements.

  • Staff will work with specialist domestic abuse services where appropriate to help keep you safe.

Remember : You are not alone. Support is available whether the abuse is physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, coercive or controlling. If it is safe to do so, reach out to one of the organisations listed above. Help is available, and you do not have to face this on your own.