A freephone number that will not show on your telephone bill but may appear on an itemised mobile phone bill.
Agencies are encouraged torather than through the helpline.
One in 10 lives are being affected by domestic abuse, if that includes you or someone you know, get help and support by visiting reducingtherisk.org.uk for a list or organisations and contact that may be able to help, as well as the following information:
- Am I experiencing domestic abuse?
- Safety planning - staying with an abusive partner
- Survival kit – emergency bag
- Support numbers
- How can I get an injunction?
Definition - domestic violence and abuse
The government definition of domestic violence and 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:
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
Also consider issues such as honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation
The Positive Relationships Programme (PRP) is a twelve-session group work programme designed to support people who have evidenced aggression within their intimate partner relationships. Find out more about by visiting
Children and young people
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 tell 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.
One in 10 lives are being affected by domestic abuse, if that includes you or someone you know, get help and support by visiting reducingtherisk.org.uk
Professionals and young people
All professionals who become aware of a young person experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse within a relationship have a responsibility to carry out the Young Person Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Pathway for Oxfordshire (pdf format, 332Kb). It concerns children and young people up to 18, or 25 for some care leavers.