Click here to watch a short film about domestic violence and how we can help you

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence takes many forms.  If you are being threatened or physically assaulted by someone you live with, that is domestic violence.  It can happen to anyone and in any kind of relationship.  You have the right to live without fear.  Domestic violence is a crime.

What is our policy on domestic violence?

We will help you if you are experiencing domestic violence.  You do not have to be a council tenant to receive our help.  We aim to provide you with a quick and sensitive response.  Our first consideration will always be your current and future safety.

What advice can we give you?

If you have a housing problem caused by domestic violence:

• we can arrange for you to speak to a member of staff in private and at a place you choose
• we can arrange for you to speak to a member of staff who is the same sex as you, if you choose
• we can provide you with a face-to-face interpreter through the Newcastle Interpreting Service.  If you prefer to bring your own interpreter we will be happy to work with them.  Or we can provide a telephone interpreting service with the National Interpreting Service.
• we will listen to you and give you time to explain your situation
• we will treat all information you give us in confidence
• we will only pass on information to other agencies with your permission, unless we are required to do so by law, or the information is necessary for the protection of children
• we will not ask you to prove that you have experienced violence
• we will not contact the person responsible for the violence unless you ask us to.  In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to contact the perpetrator about resolving a tenancy matter, but only after any issues about your safety have been considered
• we will not insist that you take legal action against the violent person.  We will offer you advice if you want to pursue this. And if you experience more problems in the future, you can come back to us for help.

What support can we give you?

There are three types of practical support we can offer you when you report domestic violence to us.  We can offer you:

• support if you want to stay in your home
• support if you want to move
• emergency accommodation

We can help you stay in your home

There are legal procedures which can protect you and help you stay in your home.  You should always get legal advice from a solicitor or advice agency before considering these.  We can give you information about solicitors in Newcastle who can help you.  We can then support you in a number of practical ways.

We can help you to move to a new home

We can offer you advice on:

• housing associations
• privately rented homes
• local authority housing, both in Newcastle and out of the city. 

We let our own houses through a lettings service, Your Choice Homes.  All our available properties are widely advertised.  We can give priority to you as a victim of domestic violence.

We can help you if you think you are in danger

If it is not safe for you to stay in your home, we can offer you emergency accommodation.  You should ask at a local community housing office, Housing Advice Centre, customer service centre or at a social services office.  We can arrange emergency accommodation outside of Newcastle where this is necessary.  If you need accommodation after 4.30pm you should call the Out of Hours Emergency Service on 0191 232 8520.

If you are accommodated in an emergency hostel they can help you with obtaining money and clothes.  We can also offer you help with storing your furniture.

Other help can we give you

We can:

• tell you about legal action you may be able to take
• offer you a personal alarm that will give you access to emergency services
• offer advice and help with extra security for your home
• arrange for you to get benefit advice

We can also put you in touch with other organizations who can give you practical or emotional help.

And if you are one of our tenants, we can:

• help you with repairs if your home has been damaged as a result of domestic violence
• take action against the perpetrator if they are one of our tenants.

Useful contacts

The City Council can provide specific help and support to anyone experiencing domestic violence and their families through the Social Work Service and the Education Welfare Services.  Telephone 0191 232 8520

There are other agencies in Newcastle who can help:

• Victim Support - can provide advice, support and confidence building  0191 274 4274
  
• Reach - can offer confidential advice and help to anyone over 16 who has been raped or sexually assaulted 0800 068 5155
  
• MESMAC - helpline for Gay and Bisexual men 0800 068 5155
  
• Lesbian Line  0800 068 5155
  
• Tyneside Rape Crisis - rape and sexual abuse helpline 0191 232 9858
  
• Panah - Black women’s refuge and outreach service 0191 284 6998
  
• Women’s Aid - provide help, advice, secure accommodation and an outreach service for women and children 0191 265 2148
  
• Housing Advice Centre - 0191 277 1711
  
• National Domestic Violence Women’s Aid Helpline - 0808 200 0247
  
• Respect - information and advice for perpetrators of domestic violence.  Also welcomes calls from friends and relatives who are concerned about a perpetrator 0845 122 8609
  
• Male advice and enquiry line - helpline for men who are victims of domestic violence 0845 064 6800
  
• Broken Rainbow - help for domestic violence victims in same sex relationships 0808 200 0247
  
• Forced marriage unit - 0845 064 6800

Facts and figures

Facts and figures about domestic violence and the rest of the country can be found at:

• British Crime Survey (Home Office)
• Northumbria Police