Durham and Cleveland

We give emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by crime in Durham and Cleveland. We’re an independent charity and you can contact us for support regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. We’ll help you for as long as it takes to overcome the impact of crime. 

Last year we offered immediate support to nearly 19,000 people affected by crime in Durham and Cleveland, and gave in-depth support to more than 3,100 people. If you call your local Victim Support team, we’ll make sure you get the information and support you need. This might be arranging a meeting for you to talk to us and receive emotional support in confidence, helping you to fill out a compensation form or get advice on how to make your home more secure, or referring you to other specialist organisations that can also help. 

As well as offering emotional and practical support to people affected by crime, we run a number of specialist services in the Durham and Cleveland areas including:

• The Voice Project

The Voice Project is an innovative partnership between HMP Holme House and Victim Support. It supports victims of domestic abuse and/or harassment (including stalking) whilst the perpetrator is in custody. It is a confidential service and prisoners are not aware of the engagement with victims. The support is delivered via telephone by trained Victim Support staff as well as face-to-face in a safe and secure environment.

• Hartlepool: Opening Doors

In partnership with Hartlepool NDC Trust and Community Engagement Team, Victim Support has been commissioned to help develop the Opening Doors project, which aims to ensure there is a co-ordinated approach between local authority services to meet the needs of all Hartlepool residents. Our contribution brings a strong knowledge of local needs and priorities, while assisting with the development of a holistic service for victims by connecting with a wide ranging network of local agencies to ensure that pathways are in place to signpost you to appropriate services.

• Mental Health Projects in Durham and Cleveland

The Mental Health Projects in Durham and Cleveland continue to support victims who are experiencing mental health issues or have wellbeing needs. This extends to advocacy work that we carry out for, and on behalf of, victims with partner agencies such as social services, GP clinics, the NHS and community groups. In order to deliver practical help and support to victims with mental health issues, we have trained volunteers along with dedicated caseworkers who provide specialist support.

We work with a number of partner organisations in Durham and Cleveland to make sure you get the support you need.

Find out more about some of the services and organisations we work with:

• Helen Britton House – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Teesside

Helen Britton House is a purpose built SARC specifically designed to provide a sensitive and dedicated service that meets the needs of Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault.

• My Sister’s Place

My Sisters Place is an independent specialist ‘One Stop Shop’ for women aged 16 or over have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence. Established in 2002 we are committed to working in partnership to tackle domestic violence.

• EVA – Women’s Aid Service

Eva is the leading organisation in Redcar & Cleveland dedicated to improving the lives of women and children affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse. We provide end to end support and a fresh start for our clients and their families.

• The Meadows – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Durham and Darlington

The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre aims to provide a sensitive and comprehensive service to residents of County Durham and Darlington who have experienced rape or sexual assault.

• Harbour – working with safer communities

Harbour works with families and individuals who are affected by abuse from a partner, former partner or other family member.