Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Please see a definition for domestic abuse below:

Abusive behaviours include:

• Psychological: isolation from family and friends, intimidation, degradation, harassment
• Physical: pushing, slapping, hitting, punching, biting, strangling, murder
• Sexual: indecent assault, rape, unwanted sexual activity
• Financial: keeping all the money, not allowing their partner to earn their own money, making their partner beg
• Emotional:  name calling, bullying, threats, constant criticism, blaming

What should I do if I am/someone I know is suffering from domestic abuse?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should always dial 999 and ask for the Police.

If you are a victim then it is important to remember that you are not to blame. Domestic abuse is a crime, but taking action against a partner/ex-partner or family member can be hard. There are organisations that can and will give you all the support and advice you need. 

Abuse increases when a person leaves or has recently left an abusive partner. Please seek advice if you are considering leaving.

Although domestic violence is most commonly experienced by women and perpetrated by men, remember that men have exactly the same rights as women to be safe in their own homes and are entitled to the same help if they experience domestic abuse.

Where can I find contact details for organisations that can help?

We have developed a directory of services for domestic abuse. Visit the Oxfordshire's Reducing the Risk website for more information on domestic abuse and contact details for organisations that can help.

Safety Plan

If you are experiencing domestic violence or feel you may do in the near future, you should organise a safety plan using the steps below:

• Talk to someone you trust
• Arrange a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly
• Prepare a bag of clothes, medication and any important documents such as driving licence, passport, birth certificates, benefit books etc.  If it is too risky to keep the originals then take a copy. Leave the bag with a friend or a family member
• Have a code word for family, friends, neighbours or children so that they can call the Police for you in an emergency
• Keep a diary of events and any abusive letters, emails or text messages
• If an argument starts avoid the kitchen, bathroom, garage or any room where there is no escape route or where there is easy access to potential weapons
• If you have a mobile keep it with you at all times

Where can I find more information about domestic abuse?

Visit the Domestic Violence page of the Directgov website for more advice on this subject.

Page last reviewed 6 March 2012