Any form of abuse, whether its sexual or domestic, can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. It is not exclusive to any gender or sexuality, and it is not okay.
Abuse can come in many forms, including but not limited to:
Physical violence: causing or threatening to cause physical harm
Controlling behaviour: controlling what a person can or cannot do
Financial abuse: controlling or misusing someone's money or access to finances
Sexual abuse: sexual behaviour that is unwanted and without consent
Emotional abuse: controlling and manipulating the way someone feels
Mental abuse: controlling and manipulating the way in which someone thinks
Gaslighting: convincing someone that they have experienced something they have not or vice versa, so they question their mental clarity.
Domestic abuse is controlling, threatening or violent behaviour from a partner ex-partner, family member or person you live with.
All forms of abuse are unacceptable and at Northumbria SU we hope to create a community where this behaviour is not tolerated or excused.
We have a zero-tolerance approach as set out in our policy. We want to raise awareness of these issues, break down myths surrounding this area and promote help and resources for students who may have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse on any level.
If you have ever been subjected to any form of sexual or domestic abuse, we want you to know that it’s not your fault and you most certainly did not ask for it. There are always people who will listen to and support you.
The university can support you with specially trained practitioners, you can seek support by contacting Need help NOW. Or you can get support via the unacceptable behaviour platform and a member of the serious welfare team will be in touch so long as you leave contact details. You can report abusive behaviour via the safe zone app if you feel you are in immediate danger or call security on Emergency Number: 3200 (0191 227 3200) (Please note, this number is for emergency use only). You can also call 999 if you are in immediate danger, or report incidents to the police via the non-emergency number 101 or via local police force webpages.
The wellbeing team deliver several training courses around challenging sexual harassment amongst other things, check out our training menu here.
Useful contacts
In an Emergency: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact security immediately on 0191 227 3999 or use the Safezone app emergency button.
Safezone app – free to download on the App Store and Google Play. Access help in an emergency or click on the menu button to access the ‘report a tip’ function. Through this you can report non-emergency incidents, anonymously if you wish, which go straight to university security and the police.
Hub of Hope
Hub Of Hope can be used to search a particular area for support around a particular topic. Visit the website to find out more, hubofhope
REACH is able to offer victims of rape or serious sexual assault, who do not wish to make a formal complaint of crime to the Police, the opportunity to receive support in two ways:-
1. Access to a forensic medical examination - a fully trained "chaperone" is available to assist the victim
2. Practical support from one of our team of ISVA's (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) who can help with any issues you may be experiencing.
If you require help and support relating to a sexual offence please call our 24/7 Crisis Support Service on 03333448283.
The North East SARC-support service provides 24 hour crisis intervention and support for anyone who has experienced a sexual offence, regardless of when the offence occurred or whether the incident was reported to the police or not. Crisis support workers will outline the options available and provide support throughout any subsequent process. The crisis workers will also provide help to gain access to local specialist service providers. Rape Crisis Tyneside & Northumberland Women’s Support Project Directory Survivors UK (male rape and sexual abuse support) Galop: the LGBT+ anti-violence charity Northumbria’s Student Life and Wellbeing team
Domestic Abuse National Charities
Refuge Against Domestic Violence – For women and children. Against domestic violence https://www.refuge.org.uk/
Women’s Aid Safety Advice for Survivors (Covid-19 safety advice) - https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors/
Men’s Advice Line https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Galop - the LGBT+ anti-violence charity https://www.galop.org.uk/galop-to-run-national-lgbt-domestic-violence-helpline/
Hestia Domestic Abuse Service – Supporting adults in crisis https://www.hestia.org/domestic-abuse
Chayn – Helping women experiencing abuse find the find information and support they need to control of their lives https://chayn.co/
Domestic Abuse Newcastle local charities
NIDAS (Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service) – provide specialist accommodation and support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse in Newcastle https://www.newcastleidas.co.uk/
The Angelou Centre – supporting Black and Minority Ethnic women and children in the North East to become fully integrated in society and achieve their full potential free from violence and abuse http://angelou-centre.org.uk/?page_id=1443
Newcastle Women’s Aid – a confidential service ran by women, for women. They provide a range of specialist domestic abuse services including, refuge accommodation, outreach support and children and young people’s support. https://www.newcastlewomensaid.org.uk/
Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland - Provide free, confidential support, information and counselling to women who have experienced sexual violence. https://rctn.org.uk/
Support from your Students’ Union and University
Kooth Student – An online counselling and emotional well-being platform accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of need https://student.kooth.com/
University Support for Students – follow the link to find out what services the University can offer you https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/support-for-students/