Talking to someone and seeking support following abuse can be difficult. If you think you or someone you know has experienced an incident of domestic abuse, there is a variety of support options available to students and staff to help you decide on the next steps.
Support at Durham University
(Note: Please click on the headings for further information)
You can disclose incidents of domestic abuse to your College Student Support Office. They will provide you with support and refer to you specialist help as appropriate. They can help you consider your reporting options including reporting to the University to initiate the process within the Sexual Misconduct and Violence Policy.
SMV Case Managers
Students or staff can speak with a specialist Case Manager about an experience of domestic abuse. They can explain your reporting options and signpost you to appropriate support, so that you can make an informed decision about your next steps. You can connect with an SMV Case Manager by making a report with contact details and opting to be referred to a Sexual Misconduct and Violence Case Manager.
Counselling and Mental Health Service
If you would like to access counselling for sexual violence or abuse, contact the University Counselling & Mental Health Service which can arrange a referral for you. Contact the team at cmh.service@durham.ac.uk , by calling 0191 334 2200, or by visiting our reception in the Palatine Centre. You will be asked to complete an online registration form; if you do not want to indicate sexual misconduct and violence, you can write ‘Prefer not to say but need to see someone’ on the form.
Nightline is a confidential, non-advisory, non-directive listening service, run by students, for students from 9pm to 7am in term-time. Students are trained in general listening skills; they are not trained in specialist support. They can be contacted using the number on the back of your Campus card.
Independent support is also available to students through the Help and Advice Service at the Students’ Union.
Chaplains are an integral part of the welfare provision and pastoral support that the University offers both to staff and students. Chaplains at Durham are either based in Colleges where their care is for all members of College, or they work across the University where the Chaplain usually represents a particular denomination or faith community (though they are still available to everyone).
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The EAP is a confidential employee benefit designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. Confidential support is available, and dependent on the nature of the issue, counselling or information services can be provided by fully qualified professionals. The EAP services can be accessed by calling the 24 hour confidential helpline 0800 028 0199 (further info on the EAP SharePoint page).
External Support
Harbour provides support, help and information to women and men experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted 24/7 at 0300 20 25 25.
24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (for women)
They provide support, help and information to women experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted at 0808 2000 247.
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
They provide specialist support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse, including sexual violence and domestic abuse within a relationship. They can be contacted at 0800 999 5428.
Men’s Advice Line (for men)
They provide support, help and information to men experiencing domestic violence. They can be contacted at 0808 801 0327.
Resources for Self Help
A practical support and information guide for women experiencing domestic abuse.
Survivors Network: Survivors Self Help Guide
A self help guide for survivors who want to understand and process their own personal reactions to their experience
A list of resources for survivors and supporters including self-help guides, videos, galleries and more.
Need to contact the Police?
If you are in immediate danger or are seriously injured, you can call 999 (or 112 from a mobile). For non-emergency calls, dial 101. To find out more information about how the Durham Constabulary can support you, please click here.
Further Information
Further information on reporting options and support can be found on the Sexual Misconduct & Violence webpages.