Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse in Oxford

What is domestic abuse? The government defines it 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."  Abuse happens to women and men, to those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and within all cultures and sections of society.  

Although not widely discussed or apparent, domestic abuse does happen among Oxford students.  If you are in an abuse relationship be it physical, psychological, sexual or otherwise remember that you are not to blame and help is available in Oxford.

As students we are less likely to be living with an abuser, and therefore feel less worthy of help.  However, regardless of your situation, you deserve to feel safe and valued.  There are ways to get out of relationships where this is not the case.

In an emergency always phone 999.

For all other situations have a look at the resources below

Oxford Resources

The County Council's Domestic Violence Agency has useful information about local help available.  Find out more at their website HERE.

Information on the website includes practical advice for those in an abusive relationship:

Help to identify whether you are in an abusive relationship

Steps to take if you are living with an abusive partner

What to include in an emergency bag

Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline:

Run jointly by Women’s Aid and Refuge the helpline is completely confidential and provides help for those suffering domestic abuse and concerned families and friends seeking advice. 

Women’s Aid Survivors' Handbook

A comprehensive, practical guide for women experiencing domestic abuse.  Includes information on recognising domestic violence, creating safety plans, money issues, housing problems, legal rights and specialised info for black, minority, ethic women, disabled women or those from the LGBT communities.

To download a copy of the handbook CLICK HERE

Contacts:

Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline: 0800 731 055
(Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm)
This is free and will not show on your telephone bill.

Victim support: 0845 450 3883
Confidential service providing practicle and emotional support.
Witness service

Crown Court: 01865 240 957
Magistrates Court: 01993 708147
Provides support at court.

Oxford City Housing Department: 01865 252859
Housing departments have a duty to house anyone fleeing domestic abuse - not only council tenants.

Social Services: 0845 050 7666
Out of hours: 0800833408

Relate: 01865 242960
Can offer counselling to individuals who are in or have left a violent relationship including male victims.

Oxford Sexual Assault and Rape Crisis Centre: 01865 726295
Support and information for women who have suffered sexual abuse.

Rights of women: 020 7251 6577
Free legal, immigration and housing advice line for women by women.

Kiran Asian Women's Aid: 0208 558 1986
Advice and support for Asian women.

National centre for domestic violence (NCDV)
Emergency number: 08009 70 20 70
Non emergency: 0870 22 07 04
Free advice and help on obtaining injunctions.
Advice for male victims

Men's advice line and enquiries: 0808 801 0327

Mankind: 0870 794 4124

LGBT helplines:
Oxford Friend: 01865 726893
Broken Rainbow: 08452 604460
London Lesbian and Gay switchboard: 020 7837 7324
Perpetrators' helpline

Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk

Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.org

Respect: 0845 122 8609
Do you feel you might be an abuser?
There is help and advice available from Respect.