Frequently Asked Questions

Domestic abuse is ultimately about one person having power and control over another. There are many different forms of abuse and you can find out about them here.

Our domestic abuse questionnaire can help you to understand whether your relationship is abusive.

You can contact us via our telephone helpline (01325 364486) from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.  Support, advice and signposting is available to anybody affected by domestic abuse, directly or indirectly.  We have an out-of-hours answer machine for you to leave a message and a safe time to return your call, alternatively, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day, all-year-round on: 0808 2000 247.

You can self-refer by calling 01325 364486, however, if you are working with another agency or service, they can refer on your behalf by contacting us in the same way.  If we are unable to accommodate you, we will signpost you to other suitable services.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and/or are planning to leave an abusive relationship, it is important to have a safety plan in place.  A safety plan will enable you to initiate your safety by considering options such as practising the quickest and safest route to exit your home and having an emergency bag packed with a small amount of money, personal documents and essential items required for a quick exit.

There are initiatives available to help victims of domestic abuse flee to a place of safety.  If it is safe to do so, call our helpline on 01325 364486 or send us a message via our website contact form to find out more about current initiatives available.

There are several different ways in which you can make a donation to Family Help Darlington CIO. Find out more here.

If you feel like you could help shape the future of Family Help, ensuring its success and longevity, and you are able to attend regular meetings and support charity events during the year, we would love to hear from you! You don’t need to have previous experience, just a desire to make a difference. Call 01325 364486 or email contactus@familyhelp.org.uk for more information.

You can keep up-to-date with Family Help by subscribing to our email updates and following us on social media- Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

You can help spread the word by liking and sharing our social media posts with your friends and followers… it’s simple and free to do!

Keep some of our leaflets in your bag or car, in case you meet someone in need or someone who wants to support Family Help.

Host a fundraiser on our behalf. Check out our A-Z list of fundraising ideas

You can donate essential refuge items such as cleaning products, toiletries, food and new toys. Call us on 01325 364486 or email contactus@familyhelp.org.uk to find out our current requirements. Alternatively, you can order much-needed items from our Amazon Wish Lists. further information can be found here.