Domestic abuse

The UK Government defines domestic abuse as:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional

Regardless of your age, pronouns, culture, class, religion, lifestyle and whether you are straight, gay, bi-sexual or transgender; domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time of their lives.

The abuse does not have to be physical. In fact, domestic abuse can come in various forms, and it may not be easy to identify at first. Whatever the situation, if you, a family member, or a friend, is being abused, threatened, physically or sexually assaulted by a partner, ex-partner, or family member, this is domestic abuse, also called domestic violence.

A partner or family member may be controlling. They may stop you from going to certain places, seeing friends and family or wearing certain clothes. They may control how and where you spend your money, or may constantly criticize you, isolate you from your friends and family or make you feel scared.

Domestic abuse can be difficult to identify. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with someone's behaviour, please reach out for support.

You should feel safe and respected in all relationships. If you are experiencing domestic violence, it is important to know that it is not your fault and you're not to blame.

Victim support can help you with recognising the signs of domestic abuse.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse you should consider accessing support. You are not alone and there are a variety of options and services outlined on this page from the university, Police and external support services to help you decide what to do next.

Safety Planning

It is important to create a safety plan so you can take steps to ensure the safety of yourself (and your children) should you experience any further violence or abuse. Our Student Advisers can work with you to create a safety plan or can refer you to local support services who will support you with creating a safety plan.

Guidance on creating a safety plan

Leaving an abusive relationship safely

If you decide to leave an abusive relationship, support is on hand to support you to do this safely. This can be the time you are most at risk as the perpetrator may feel like they are losing control, so it is advisable to get help and support from specialist domestic abuse services or the Police.

If you decide to leave the relationship, limit who you make aware of this to ensure your partner does not find out and plan to leave at a time when your partner may be out of the house.
Further information on leaving an abusive relationship safely.

Download Smartphone Apps

SafeZone

The University's free Safe Zone app allows you to call for help and alerts security staff to your situation and location when you are on campus. We advise you download the app and alert Security if you are concerned or in danger.

More about SafeZone.

Hollie Guard

The Hollie Guard is a free app that, with a tap or a shake, will alert your nominated contacts of your location and will send audio and video evidence to them. It also has a reporting function, allowing you to keep a record of incidents. The Hollie Guard app also allows you to plan your route and will alert your nominated contacts when you arrive at your destination. The app will also alert if you do not arrive at your planned location too.

More about Hollie Guard

Within Student and Library Services, we have a team of Welfare Advisers who will listen to you, explore your options and point you in the direction of specialist support; this is led by you so you can choose whether you access recommended support or not. This is a confidential service, for further information around confidentiality please see the 'confidentiality' section below.

Our Student Advisers have access to internal services within the university, including academic support; as well as links with external services to ensure you have access to the appropriate support and advice.

To access support from our Student Advisers please email studentlife@tees.ac.uk.

We will ensure you receive the most appropriate support to help you to feel safe and supported throughout your time at University.

We recognise that some students may have accessibility needs when attending an appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, learning, communication and sensory difficulties as well as mobility, visual and hearing impairments. If you would like to discuss any particular requirements, please email studentlife@tees.ac.uk in advance of your appointment and we can discuss any adaptations required to meet your individual needs.

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic abuse, we encourage you to seek specialist advice.

You can make self-referrals to below services by either contacting them directly or completing their online referral forms. The below services can offer you support and advice, including safety planning, housing, crime prevention, civil orders and support for children.

Local Support Services

Harbour Support Services

Specialist domestic abuse Support Service for adults and children of all ages living in Stockton, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough areas. To refer to their services call their 24/7 number on 03000 202525 or visit their website.

My Sisters Place

Specialist domestic abuse Support Service for females living the Middlesbrough area. To refer to their services call 01642 241 864 or visit their website.

Eva Women's Aid

Specialist domestic abuse Support Service for females living in the Redcar area. To refer to this service call 07525591971/ 01642490677.

Foundation

Specialist domestic abuse Support Service for all genders living in the Redcar area. To refer to this service call 0300 4562214.

Halo Project

The Halo project supports all genders in relation to Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Modern Day Slavery, Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. To access this service contact 01642 683045 or visit their website. In an emergency you can also contact (free-phone) 0808 178 8424.

Refuge Services

Refuges offer a safe space to stay for people (and children) who are fleeing domestic abuse.

Refuge can be accessed by ringing Harbours 24/7 number on 03000 20 25 25 or by calling the free 24/7 National domestic abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.
More information about refuge services

National Helplines

All genders

• National domestic abuse Helpline: Free 24/7 helpline 0808 2000 247
• National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070

Males

• The Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
• Mankind: 01823 334244

LGBT+

• Galop: 0800 999 5428

Deaf people

• Sign health

Forced Marriage, Honour-based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation

Halo Project
The Halo project supports all genders in relation to Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, Modern Day Slavery, Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation. To access this service contact 01642 683045 or visit their website. In an emergency you can also contact (free-phone) 0808 178 8424.

Karma Nirvana
National helpline for specialist support for victims of Forced Marriage or Honour Based Violence. To access support call 0800 5999 247, Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.

The Forced Marriage Unit
Support and information to anyone who has experience or is worried about being forced into marriage. Call 0207 008 0151

Claire's Law or DVDS is a scheme which enables you to enquire with the Police about someone you are in a relationship/with or about someone who is in a relationship with someone you know, where there are concerns this person may pose a risk towards you or towards their partner.

If the Police hold any information in relation to any previous domestic abuse or violent offending, they may choose to disclose this information.

To make a Claire's Law application for yourself, or on behalf of someone you know, call 101, speak to a Police Officer or submit an application via Cleveland Police's website.

Emergency services

You can contact the emergency services by dialling 999. This number should be used in an emergency for either Police, Ambulance or Fire service.

For a non-emergency response, you can contact the police by dialling 101.

Campus security

Campus security contribute towards ensuring a safe environment for staff, students and visitors. They are based within the University Library and are available 24 hours a day.

You can contact Security on 01642 342086 or in cases of an emergency extension 3200. We would also recommend you download the SafeZone app which allows you to call for help and alerts staff to your situation and location so they can co-ordinate help to you quickly.
Find out more about the campus security team

SHOUT

SHOUT is a free confidential anonymous service for anyone in the UK. Trained volunteers are available 24/7 to listen and support you. To start a conversation text the word SHOUT to 85258.

Samaritans

Samaritans are available 24/7 and provide free confidential support. You can make contact by calling 116 123 for an immediate conversation. Samaritans also offer an email service as some people prefer to write their thoughts down. You can do this by emailing jo@Samaritans.org and receive a response within 24 hours.

If your partner or ex-partner is another student you may consider reporting your experience formally to the University under the Student Code of Conduct highlighted by Student Casework Office (SCO). This is a separate process to speaking to our welfare advisers and may lead to a formal investigation.
Guide for students, the complaints form and the Student Complaints Policy and Procedure

The Students' Union can provide you with free, independent advice and guidance relating to a student complaint. You are encouraged to seek independent advice from the Students Union before submitting your application form. You can access the Students' Union by visiting or emailing suss@tees-su.org.uk.

Domestic abuse is a criminal offence. You can report any incident of domestic abuse to Police at any time.

Cleveland Police can be contacted via 101 (non-emergency), or if it is an emergency and you could be in danger contact 999.

For further information about reporting domestic abuse to the Police please visit Cleveland Police's website.

If you are undecided about reporting to the Police but would like to find out more information, you can contact our Student Advisers who can refer you to our on-campus Police Community Support Officers (PCSO). They will be able to explain the reporting process and answer any questions you may have. To arrange this, please email studentlife@tees.ac.uk.

If you decide not to report to the Police or formally report to the University you can still access support from specialist support services and our Student Advisers.

If they are in immediate danger call 999. If they are on campus you can also call security on 01642 342086, emergency extension 3200 or via the Safe Zone app.

It is not just as simple as 'leaving'. In fact, research suggests there are around 35 incidents of domestic abuse before a person leaves. Listen to them, talk to them and make sure they know they are not alone. Let them know about the support services that are available on this page.

Be involved in their safety plan. Let them know they can contact you if needed. Use code words to signal if the Police need to be called for example.

Support is also available for students who have been accused of domestic abuse or are subject to the internal disciplinary processes or a Police investigation. You can access wellbeing support from a dedicated member of staff who can assist you in accessing internal and external support services and liaising with departments as needed. If you wish to access this support, please email studentlife@tees.ac.uk and identify in the email the type of support you require is due to an accusation made against you, to enable us to put the most appropriate support in place.

If you are concerned about your behaviour towards a partner or a family member there are services available to challenge and help change your behaviour.

Local Services

Harbour Support Services offer a programme from men who have been violent or abusive towards a partner or ex-partner. Contact 03000 20 25 25 for further information.

Route 2 offer one to one support for males over the age of 18 who are concerned about their behaviour in a relationship. Contact 01642 241873 or e-mail info@route2.org.uk.

National Helpline

• Respect: 0808 8024040

The Student Welfare and Advice service is a free and confidential service to all Teesside University students meaning, any information you provide us can only be seen by appropriate members of staff involved in helping you access support.

There may be times you wish for your Student Adviser to speak with internal or external services. This would only be done with your informed consent. There are however some exceptions where we have a duty of care to share information without your consent. These situations are detailed below:

• if you or anyone else is at risk of harm
• if there is a concern regarding safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults
• if there is a legal requirement, for example at a court hearing.

Under the General Data Protection Regulations, we are obliged to tell you how we collect and use your personal data. Please note enquiries and appointments with our service are tracked electronically and the personal data of your enquiry is stored in protected files. We keep this data to enable us to track your enquiry and our response for future reference. This personal information will be retained for 7 years after which it will be destroyed securely.

For more information, please refer to the university's General Privacy Notice for students.

If you would like to provide any service feedback or make a complaint about the service you have received, in the first instance please contact studentlife@tees.ac.uk.

If you would like to make a formal complaint, please refer to the information provided on the Student Casework Office (SCO) complaints page.