About the directory
This help directory has been produced with the help of the South Tyneside Domestic Violence Forum. The Forum was set up in 1994 and brings together a wide range of experience from the agencies within South Tyneside who provide services to those affected by domestic violence.
Each member of the forum is committed to improving domestic violence help services, raising awareness of the problem and strengthening the protection, justice and support for victims and their children. The forum is also dedicated to the prevention and early intervention of abuse.
Domestic violence crosses all boundaries, including age, ethnicity, religion and class and is described by South Tyneside Domestic Violence Forum as:
"Any use of or threat of physical, emotional, verbal, economic, and/or sexual abuse or any other behaviour that results in an individual living in fear and/or feeling abused through the use of power and control by an individual (usually a man) against another (usually a woman) with who they have or have had an intimate (though not necessarily sexual) relationship with. Where these behaviours are present there is the increased possibility that children, pets and/or other family members are also experiencing violence."
Domestic violence raises many issues and families experiencing it have a wide range of needs, which change over time. These can range from crisis support and protection, to re-housing and help to rebuild their lives. Some of these needs can be met by statutory organisations or specialist domestic violence help services.
All help services have a role to play in providing an effective network of support for families. However, knowing what services are out there is the key to being able to use them.
This directory can be used by women and men who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence. The directory may also be useful for professional workers who give advice and support to victims of domestic violence.
All help services within this directory have been grouped into six sections. A majority of them are based in South Tyneside and surrounding areas and are listed alphabetically. However, a selection of national contacts has also been included.