Northumberland County Council is again teaming up with Newcastle City Council and North Tyneside Council for the annual Domestic Abuse Awareness Week – helping to make a stand against domestic abuse and encouraging people to report it.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Week runs from 25th November to 1st December 2018 and aims to highlight the issue of domestic abuse and encourage victims – men or women – to report problems they are experiencing.

Around one in four women and one in six men are victims of domestic abuse at some point in their lives, but fewer than half report it.

In support of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence and Abuse Against Women and Girls (25 November), Domestic Abuse Awareness Week starts that day with the annual ‘DIVA’ walk (‘Don’t Ignore Violence and Abuse’).  Setting off 11am from Tynemouth Priory, walkers will cover around 3.5 miles before finishing at Waves on The Links at Whitley Bay at approximately 12pm.

A wide range of practical and emotional help is available to those who may be experiencing domestic abuse, from financial advice and help to find safe accommodation, to counselling and support groups.

Advice and support is available in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside from:

– Domestic Abuse Support Services Northumberland (DASSN) 01670 820199

– Northumberland Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS) 01434 608030

– Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) 0191 2146501

– North Tyneside Harbour Domestic Abuse Support Service 0191 2513305

– North Tyneside Acorns Children’s Service 0191 2006302

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Councillor Wayne Daley, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Safeguarding in Northumberland, said: “We are nearing the Christmas period, which is a time for increased pressure and tension for families – both emotionally and financially – and this can sometimes create added pressure for those living in abusive relationships.

“A wide range of support is available across Northumberland and our partnership agencies and local support services are encouraging people who suffer abuse, their family and friends to seek advice and support.”

Cllr Joyce McCarty, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for housing at Newcastle City Council, said: “We are proud to be working with North Tyneside and Northumberland councils to highlight the issue of domestic violence.

“The Christmas period can exert extra pressure on any relationship, not just those in abusive relationships. The week-long event allows us to encourage victims to report any issues they are experiencing and promote the help we have available.  Newcastle is a safe city and our services, along with those across the region, continue to offer a wide range of emotional and hands-on support for anyone suffering abuse”.

Cllr Gary Bell, cabinet member with responsibility for Adult Social Care and Safeguarding in North Tyneside, said: “We are pleased to be working with Northumberland and Newcastle councils on this important initiative.

“Domestic abuse can affect all parts of society and the week-long event helps us to raise awareness and encourage sufferers to seek help.

“We’re also pleased to be hosting the he DIVA Walk in the borough, which symbolises strength and hope. It also helps promote the range of support available in North Tyneside, as well as in Northumberland and Newcastle.”