Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour. Your partner, ex-partner or family member may want to control every aspect of your life from where you go, who you see and what you spend. It affects all types of gender, age, religious belief, sexual orientation, race and disability.

Definition

The Government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Children

It is emotionally damaging for children to live in a home where there is domestic abuse. People experiencing domestic abuse often worry what will happen to their children if they disclose the abuse to someone. You will be supported to ensure that they are protected from the effects. There is help for you and your children to be safe and reduce the risk.

Help and Advice

Help and advice from Oxfordshire’s dedicated web site for those affected by domestic abuse or violence

• Reducing The Risk
  (external link)

National Domestic Violence helpline, providing 24 hour advice and help, plus access to refuges across the UIK
0808 2000 247

Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline 0800 731 0055

Police (non emergency) 0845 8 505 505

Victim support 0845 450 3883

Kiran Asian women’s aid 0208 558 1986

Men's advice line 0808 801 0327

Broken Rainbow (LGBT) 020 8539 9507

Elder abuse 0208 765 7000

Childline 0800 1111

Do you feel you might be an abuser?  There is help & advice avaliable from RESPECT 0845 122 8609 www.respect.uk.net

 

Other useful contacts:

• www.refuge.org.uk
• www.womensaid.org.uk
• www.victimsupport.org
  helpline 0845 3030900
  
  
  National Domestic Violence helpline, providing 24 hour advise and help, plus access to refuges across the UK:
  0808 2000 247
  
  Childline (national helpline) 0800 1111