Domestic abuse can affect anyone. It includes any pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour between people aged 16 or over who are, or have been, partners or family members. This applies regardless of gender or sexuality.
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- Psychological
-
Physical
-
Sexual
-
Financial
-
Emotional
How we support you
We offer safe, secure homes and tailored support for people who’ve experienced domestic abuse. This includes specialist accommodation and personalised programmes that focus on your needs and help you rebuild your life.
Our women-only refuge spaces are designed to help you feel safe, supported and heard. You’ll have access to one-to-one and group support to help build confidence and self-esteem.
We can also help with:
- Relationships
-
Parenting
-
Mental and physical health
-
Addiction and recovery
-
Offending behaviour
If you’re involved in sex work, we can support you to leave if that’s what you want – or help you live and work more safely.
If you need more specialist help, we’ll connect you with trusted organisations who can support you further.
We take all forms of abuse seriously. If you're experiencing domestic abuse, we're here to support you and help keep you safe.
We’ll work with you to explore your housing options and make sure you feel secure in your home.
How to access support
Choose the option that feels safest for you:
- If you’re currently a Thirteen tenant, you can speak to your housing services or living well co-ordinator or
-
Contact us or
-
Email our team at da.service@thirteengroup.co.uk
What to expect
Our specialist domestic abuse coordinators offer emotional and practical support. We’ll listen to you, help you create a plan that meets your needs, and connect you with trusted organisations.
We will:
- Be discreet and sensitive in all communication
-
Offer emotional and practical support
-
Help you access specialist services
-
Work with other organisations to keep you safe
-
Explore ways to improve the security of your home
-
Support you with tenancy and housing issues
-
Take action against perpetrators – but only with your consent
Your questions answered
Will anyone know I’ve accessed the service?
No. Everything is confidential. We can speak over the phone or meet you somewhere safe, like a public place or a friend’s home.
Can you help me move?
Yes. We’ll talk through all your housing options and support you every step of the way.
Is the service just for women?
No. We support everyone – regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation.
We provide refuges for female victims, and work with outreach services to support male victims.
I have rent arrears. Can I still get help?
Yes. Your safety comes first. We can also link you with our money advice team to help you become financially independent.
I’m a perpetrator. Can I get support?
Yes. If you want to change your behaviour, we can help. Our tenancy support service can connect you with help for mental health, alcohol or drug use.
Domestic Abuse Refuge, County Durham
Our domestic abuse refuge in Durham offers safe, secure accommodation for women and their children who are fleeing domestic abuse or at risk.
The scheme includes nine self-contained, furnished flats – each with two or three bedrooms. You’ll also have access to shared spaces including a large communal kitchen and living room.
The flats are arranged around two private courtyards with garden areas, all within a fully secure environment. There’s an on-site office, and the whole scheme is designed to feel homely, calm and safe.
We’ll work with you and your children to create a personal support plan. We can help with:
- Building healthy relationships
-
Keeping your home safe
-
Budgeting and financial support
-
Confidence and empowerment
-
Mental and physical health
-
Planning your move into independent housing
-
Look at your future aspirations, such as education or work
-
Signposting to other organisations if needed
Staff are on site Monday to Friday, 9am–7pm, with an emergency on-call service outside these hours.
We also work closely with the other local Domestic Abuse services, which means we can support more complex cases.
We accept self-referrals and referrals from professionals.
Call: 01207 282193
Other places to get help
North East organisations
-
Harbour – 03000 20 25 25 (24/7)
-
My Sister’s Place – 01642 241 864
-
Halo – 01642 683 045
National organisations
- Galop (LGBT) – 0800 999 5428
-
RESPECT (Perpetrators) – 0808 802 4040
-
Forced Marriage Unit – 0207 008 0151
-
Women’s Aid – 0808 200 0247
-
Mankind (male victims) – 01823 334 244
-
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 200 0247
In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.
Get support
If you need support and advice you can call us on 01207 282193 or email us.