How can we help?
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it can seem like everything is too hard, but support is only a phone call away. Your enquiry will be treated confidentially, and you have full control over what – if anything - happens next.
Our trained staff can offer confidential advice, guidance, and practical support via our helpline or face-to-face. We can help you with:
- Finding a safe place to stay if you flee
- Emotional support
- Practical advice and support either face-to-face or via our helpline
- Support for children and young people
We can help you, whether the abuse you’re experiencing is physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or economic.
You can call us on 0800 731 0055 and find further information about our domestic abuse services in Oxfordshire or West Berkshire on our website.
Please note that our direct helpline can only support customers living in Oxford and West Berkshire.
If you live outside of these areas, you can access help and support through the National Domestic Violence helpline by calling 0800 200 0247.
What is domestic abuse?
The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.’
Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Coercive control and gaslighting / emotional abuse
- Digital / online abuse
- ‘Honour-based’ violence
- Forced marriage
- Female genital mutilation (FGM).
Domestic abuse is present in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Even though physical violence is often the traditional thought that first comes to mind, many abusive relationships might never involve physical violence and are still considered abusive.