Safe Haven

‘Safe Haven’ is the ministry of Emmanuel Church aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse in all its forms is a corruption of the marriage covenant between a husband and wife and is unacceptable within any romantic relationship.

Domestic abuse is a crime and can take many forms, including physical abuse and violence; sexual abuse; coercive control; financial abuse; emotional or psychological abuse; and honour-based abuse. For more information on these types of abuse please visit Types of domestic abuse - Restored (restored-uk.org). We acknowledge that children living in a home where domestic abuse occurs are also victims of a crime.

Principles*:

  • We believe that men and women are equal in the sight of God.

  • We believe that violence against women in all its forms is unacceptable, inexcusable and intolerable.

  • We believe that the safety of women and children is paramount and that any interventions to address violence against women must reflect this.

  • We believe that people can be transformed through the power of God.

  • We believe that the genuine transformation of individuals must precede the possible restoration of relationships.

  • We believe that men and women should work together to transform relationships and end violence against women.

  • We believe that the church has a vital role in transforming relationships and ending violence against women both amongst Christians and in the community in which we live.

  • We are committed to prayer and action to transform relationships and to prevent and end violence against women.


* Whilst acknowledging that statistically women are predominantly the victims of domestic abuse, we recognise that men can also be victims. If this is you, we are here to listen and support.

If you are in the Northeast of England, you can contact the following agencies for support if you are a victim of domestic abuse: Harbour for those in County Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton, Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington, Northumberland Newcastle and North Tyneside; and Wearside Women for those in Sunderland.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, we would advise you to seek support. If you are reading this and know that your life is in immediate risk call 999 and ask for the police.