While services are changing in response to Government guidance on social distancing, help is there for those in the greatest need.
Middlesbrough Council - in partnership with the authority's specialist domestic abuse services - is reassuring victims and their families that despite changes, everything will still be done to help them.
Neighbours, friends or family members and who are aware of someone at risk or who have concerns are also advised to report them via phone or email to the following services which are still accepting referrals:
My Sisters Place
General Enquiries
Call 01642 241864 for guidance if required or the Counselling Service on 01642 256036
Support
Call 01642 241864 or 07873 321371 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook messaging is available via www.facebook.com/mspmbr/
Harbour Support Services
Call: 03000 20 25 25
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harboursupportservices
Website: www.myharbour.org.uk
Harbour Support Services can be contacted on its usual number by professionals and the public. Refuge projects are still operating and staff are providing support to clients on the telephone, through WhatsApp messaging and video chat and through the Harbour Facebook page.
Halo
Telephone 01642 683045
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Homeless Advice and Assistance
Anyone facing homelessness due to domestic abuse can contact the Thirteen Housing Advise Support Service on Freephone number 0800 130 3667.
Website: www.thirteengroup.co.uk
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Self-service: www.thirteengroup.co.uk/SelfService
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThirteenGroup
Adult Safeguarding
Anyone with safeguarding concerns about an adult experiencing domestic abuse should call 01642 065070, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Any other time, contact the emergency duty team on 01642 524552
Children - South Tees MACH
Anyone with safeguarding concerns around any children who might be witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse should call 01642 130700 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
National Helplines
Refuge
Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 08082 000247
Women's Aid webchat service
Chat.womensaid.org.uk Monday to Friday 10am-12pm.
Respect UK
Helpline for male victims of domestic Abuse
Web: www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Phone 08088 010327 Mon/Wed 9am-8pm, Tues/Thurs/Fri 9am-5pm
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Claire Moore, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Lead for Middlesbrough Council, said: "In such uncertain times, domestic abuse victims and their families will understandably have a great deal of concern around their accommodation, emotional well-being, child contact and benefits, not to mention their own safety and that of their children.
"The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of us, but for victims of domestic abuse and their families the impact can be devastating, and place them in danger.
"Social distancing and isolation can leave victims and their children facing the prospect of being isolated at home with their perpetrator, and this can act as a catalyst in itself.
"We need them to know that we - alongside our specialist domestic abuse services - are continuing to offer help and support to anyone who needs it.
"We also encourage everyone to look out for one another and report if they have concerns."
For information on local help and support, visit Help Boro at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/helpboro or call Middlesbrough Council's support line 01642 729777
For the latest local updates and information, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/covid19
The latest advice from Government and Public Health England can be found at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
