What is domestic abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides a legal definition of domestic abuse.
Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if:
- both people are aged 16 or over
- they are personally connected
- the behaviour is abusive
Abusive behaviour includes:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse
It can be a single incident or a pattern of behaviour.
Who is considered personally connected?
People are personally connected if they:
- are, or have been, married or civil partners
- have agreed to marry or enter a civil partnership
- are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship
- share a parental relationship with the same child
- are relatives
Children as victims
Children are now legally recognised as victims of domestic abuse if they:
- see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse
- are related to either person involved
Reporting domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Cleveland Police
Domestic abuse is a crime. Cleveland Police officers are trained to respond and support victims. They also offer:
- specialist investigators
- Domestic Abuse Intervention Officers
- Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme)
Call 999 in an emergency
Call 101 in a non-emergency
Request information under Clare’s Law – Cleveland Police
Safeguarding concerns
Concerned about an adult?
Contact the Integrated Single Point of Access (iSPA):
Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Phone: 01429 523390
SMS: 07833 672357
Email: ispa@hartlepool.gov.uk
Out of hours:
Emergency Duty Team: 01642 524552
Safeguarding Adults – Hartlepool Borough Council
Concerned about a child?
Phone: 01429 284284
Email: childrenshub@hartlepool.gov.uk
Out of hours:
Emergency Duty Team: 01642 524552
The Children’s Hub – Hartlepool Borough Council