Domestic Abuse
Recognising and Reporting Domestic Abuse
Definition of Domestic Abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) provided a legal definition of domestic abuse.
Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if:
A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and the behaviour is abusive. Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following
- physical or sexual abuse;
- violent or threatening behaviour;
- controlling or coercive behaviour;
- economic abuse;
- psychological, emotional or other abuse;
and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
Two people are “personally connected” to each other if any of the following applies:
- They are, or have been, married to each other.
- They are, or have been, civil partners of each other.
- They have agreed to marry one another (whether or not the agreement has been terminated).
- They have entered into a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated).
- They are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other.
- They each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child.
- They are relatives.
The Domestic Abuse Act now recognises children as victims of domestic abuse where the child:
- sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, the abuse, and
- is related to A or B
Domestic Abuse is everyone’s business. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Cleveland Police
Domestic abuse is a crime and should be reported. If a crime is taking place or someone is in immediate danger, always call 999. In a non-emergency call 101. Cleveland Police officers are trained to respond to domestic abuse and protecting the communities of Cleveland is a priority. Cleveland Police have specialist investigators for domestic abuse within the organisation and also have Domestic Abuse Intervention Officers who support in reducing harm to our communities and supporting victims, working collaboratively with partner agencies. Cleveland Police also offer Clare’s Law (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme) and have some of the highest disclosure rates in the country. For more information please visit Request information under Clare's Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | Cleveland Police or call 101.
Safeguarding
If you are worried about an adult being abused or neglected please contact:
The Integrated Single Point of Access (iSPA), Monday Thursday 8:30am-5pm; Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Tel: 01429 523390
SMS: 078336 72357
Email: ispa@hartlepool.gov.uk
If you need urgent help when our offices are closed, you can contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01642 524552
The Children’s Hub is the first point of contact for anyone who has a concern about the welfare or safety of a child or young person or thinks they may need extra help and support.
Tel - 01429 284284
Email - childrenshub@hartlepool.gov.uk
The service operates Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
The Emergency Duty Team provides an out-of-hours response to emergency situations involving child protection, child care, mental health and other adult care service matters.
Tel - 01642 524552
The Children's Hub | The Children's Hub | Hartlepool Borough Council
