Victims of domestic abuse across County Durham will soon be able to seek help and support from a specialist charity.
Durham County Council has commissioned a county-wide service to provide assistance to people across the county who are affected by verbal, physical or emotional abuse at home.
Domestic abuse support services are currently run by a number of different organisations each covering different areas of the county.
Cllr Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for safer and healthier communities, said: “The new service will enable us to ensure people across County Durham receive the same type of support no matter where they live.
“Thousands of families and individuals in the county experience the debilitating effects of abuse every day. It is vitally important that we are able to offer them any help we can.”
The new service, which will be available from September, will be provided by Harbour Support Services.
Lesley Gibson, the company’s chief executive, said: “Everyone has the right to live without fear of abuse. We want people to know that they can contact us if they feel concerned about their own situation or that of a friend or family member.
“We know that most abuse is unseen and that the feelings of isolation can be significant, making it difficult for people to seek out help.
“People need to know that someone will listen and won’t judge them.”
The free, confidential service will offer one-to-one help for men and women, offering advice on the choices available to them and information on how to keep safe.
The service will also provide group programmes, where people can share their experiences, and activities for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
To contact the service, call 03000 20 25 25 or email durham@myharbour.org.uk