Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting everyone's day to day life. But for a victim and their children experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, the impact is significant and can put them in danger. Social distancing and isolation means victims and their children are now left with the prospect of being isolated in their house with the perpetrator.

We know that victims and their families are worried about accommodation, emotional wellbeing, negotiating child contact, accessing welfare benefits, as well as their safety and that of their children. Middlesbrough Council in partnership with our domestic abuse specialist services want to reassure you and your family that we're still here and that services, although they might be delivered differently, are still available. You still have options and we will do everything to help you.

Middlesbrough's domestic abuse specialist services are offering support remotely via phone or email, and are all still available to accept referrals.

If you're a neighbour, friend, or family member, and think someone might be at risk, please report your concerns or get advice from the services listed below.

For support with domestic abuse - My Sisters Place

General enquiries

Please contact reception on 01642 241864 for advice, or the counselling service on 01642 256036 for counselling queries.

Support

If you need support, you can use one of the following methods:

Phone: 01642 241864 or 07873 321371
Email: hello@mysistersplace.co.uk

Facebook messaging is available via the My Sisters Place Facebook page.

Live chat is also available via the My Sisters Place website from 5pm to 7pm every weekday.

If you need refuge - Harbour Support Services

Harbour Support Services is still very much open for business, and can be contacted on its usual number by professionals and members of the public. Their refuge projects are still operating, and staff are offering support to clients on the phone, through WhatsApp messaging and video chat, and through their Facebook page.

To contact Harbour:

Phone: 03000 20 25 25

Email: info@myharbour.org.uk

​Harbour website

Harbour Facebook page

Government advice

The latest information and advice from the government about domestic abuse is available via GOV.UK.

Homelessness advice and assistance

If you're facing homelessness due to domestic abuse in Middlesbrough, you can contact the Housing Solutions team on 01642 726800.

Adult safeguarding  

If you're worried about an adult experiencing domestic abuse, speak to the adult safeguarding team. 

Phone: 01642 065070

Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday

Email:  adultaccessteam@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Any other time, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524552.

If you're a professional working with adults or children experiencing domestic abuse, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has advice about domestic abuse support during coronavirus. Further guidance about supporting victims during coronavirus is available on the professionals page.

Child safeguarding

If you're worried about a child who might be witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse, speak to Children's Services (Middlesbrough Multi-Agency Children's Hub)

Phone: 01642 726004

Email: MiddlesbroughMACH@middlesbrough.gov.uk

If you're a professional working with adults or children experiencing domestic abuse, the Social Care Institute for Excellence has advice about domestic abuse support during coronavirus. Further guidance about supporting victims during coronavirus is available on the professionals page.

National helplines

Refuge - the freephone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Phone: 0808 2000 247

Women's Aid - webchat service
Women's Aid website (Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm)

Men's Advice Line (Respect) - helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

Men's Advice Line website

Phone: 0808 8010327 (Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 8pm, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Safety advice from the Muslim Women's Network

• Safety advice in Arabic
• Safety advice in English
• Safety advice in Gujarati
• Safety advice in Sylheti Bangla
• Safety advice in Urdu

Safety tips for victims

Contact the police by calling 999 if you're in immediate danger.

Police won't automatically be sent if you stay silent on a 999 phone call. If you can, cough or tap the phone to make a noise and let the operator know you're there.

If you can't do that, your call will be sent to an automated system (Silent Solutions) and you'll need to press 55 to prove that you need help. When you've pressed 55, the operator will transfer you to the police.

The police call handler will try to ask you simple yes or no questions. If you are not able to speak, listen carefully to the call handler's questions and instructions. They will assess your call and arrange help if you need it.

Identify safe spaces within your home.

Try to keep a mobile phone with you at all times.

Download the Bright Sky app on your phone which can help you access support and get valuable information.

If you have a smartphone you can download the Hollie Guard app which can help someone identify your location.

Agree a code word with family and friends so they could get help to you in an emergency or if you feel like you're at increased risk.

Pack an emergency bag with essential things like medication, identification, money or cards, in case you need to leave. Include essential clothing for you and your children.

If you decide to leave, you can contact either the specialist services listed or the Homeless Advice Service so they can try and help you access a refuge or temporary accommodation. If you're self-isolating, please tell the service at the earliest opportunity so they can work out the most appropriate option for you.

If you need an injunction or help to protect you, this support is still available can be accessed via specialist services or local solicitors.