Help, advice and support for victims and survivors

Domestic abuse is more common than people think, it affects lots of people and it can happen to anyone.If you think you might be a victim of domestic abuse, it's important to remember thatit's not your fault, abuse is never okay, and there are support services who can help. If you'd like to know more about domestic abuse, including the signs to look out for, you can visit WWIN's website or the Women's Aid website.

WWIN (Wearside Women in Need) is the main support service provider in Sunderland and has been supporting communities across Sunderland for over 40 years.  You can find their information below along with a list of other specialist services you may find helpful. All of the services listed offer free support.

In an emergency always call the Police on 999 for immediate help.

WWIN: Specialist Domestic Abuse Service

WWIN: Specialist Domestic Abuse Services (also known as Wearside Women in Need) have a range of accessible services, so you can choose the support that's right for you. They can help you explore your options and support you along the path you choose, at a pace that suits you. WWIN's services include:

·         Practical and emotional support

·         Safe places to stay

·         Support for children and young people

·         Counselling

·         Groups

For more information on WWIN's services please visit: www.wwin.org.uk

If you'd like to know more about domestic abuse or how WWIN can help you can call them on 0191 416 3550 during office hours. You can also speak to them online or complete an online referral here: WWIN - Talk to us

​You can also call WWIN on their helpline which is a freephone number. This number is available out of hours between 9am and 9pm each day.

Helpline: 0800 066 5555

Findaway

Worried about someone else's relationship?

Findaway can help you find the information and skills you need if you're worried someone you know is being controlled, scared, or hurt by their partner, ex-partner or family member.

You can call their anonymous phoneline on 0300 140 0061 or visit their website for more information: Findaway website

Right Turn

Worried about your own behaviour?

Right Turn is a service for people who want to change the way that they behave towards their partners or ex-partners.

Right Turn can provide one-to-one work, educational programmes and support around a range of areas such as housing, finance and health, for those who are using harmful behaviours in their relationship.

Right Turn includes the Make a Change programme for people worried about their own behaviour and looking for support at an early stage

To contact Right Turn please call 0300 124 0466 or email info@rightturn.org.uk

For more information please visit their website: Right Turn website

SARC Northumbria - The Angel Centre

The Northumbria SARC offers free support and practical help to anyone in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland who has experienced sexual violence and/or sexual abuse.

Northumbria SARC are there to help regardless of when the event happened. The service is free and confidential, and they can help you whether you wish to report to the Police or not. You will need an appointment before going to the centre.

They are available on 01922 929295 Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm. Outside of these hours please call their Pathway and Support Service on 0330 2230099 or you can send them an email at Newcastle.sarc@nhs.net

For more information please visit their website: SARC Northumbria

Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NWVS)

Northumbria Victim & Witness Service (NVWS) is dedicated to helping people affected by crime in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. NVWS provide victims with support after crime, regardless of who they are and their circumstances.

NVWS provides information, practical help, emotional support and guidance through the criminal justice system. They offer specialist services and support following domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and much more. The service is independent, confidential and they offer free advice after crime.

To get support from Northumbria Victim & Witness Service, you can call them on 0800 011 3116. Alternatively, you can find out more information or fill in a contact form on their website: Northumbria Victim & Witness Service website

National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 24Hr

You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free and in confidence, 24-hours a day on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website to chat online: National DA Helpline website