For information about different types of domestic abuse and how to get help see our Domestic Abuse page.
Helplines for confidential and expert advice
- Domestic Abuse Service at A2dominion.co.uk - Females and males, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm, telephone: 0800 731 0055 or email: adas@a2dominion.co.uk
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline website - Female only, national 24 hour domestic violence helpline, telephone: 0808 2000247
- Respect - Men's advice line - advice and support for male victims of domestic abuse, national helpline 0808 8010327
- Reducing the Risk - website with information about the full range of domestic abuse services available
Options if you feel unsafe in your current accommodation
Making a homeless application
If it is unsafe for you to remain in your current accommodation due to domestic abuse you can apply as homeless to ANY local authority.
Visit our If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless pages for further advice or information on how to make a homeless application.
Refuge
A refuge is a safe house for non-abusive parents and their children who need to flee due to domestic abuse. It is a place of safety where you can get support to build a better life for yourself and your children.
When you arrive at the refuge you will be given a Key Worker who will lead you through the obstacles you will have to cope with. They will help and support you all the way.
The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse helpline and the National 24 hour Domestic Violence helpline can assist you in finding a refuge place so you can contact them directly. Please be aware that it can take a couple of days to find the right place for you.
The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service also have access to dispersed accommodation which is only for Oxfordshire residents (male and female) who need respite and a place of safety for short periods. It is an alternative to refuge.
It's important to make sure you are in a safe place when you call, as they may need to ring you back. When they give you the address of the refuge, you must keep it a secret
What you can do if you want to stay in your own home
If you want to remain in your own home then you can apply for different injunctions and orders such as Occupation, Non-Molestation to protect you.
If you are a Council tenant you can speak to your Tenancy Management Officer.
Sanctuary Scheme
The Sanctuary Scheme is a free service for victims/survivors of domestic abuse to enable you to safely remain in your own home after your partner has left.
- Telephone: 01865 252969
- Email saferoxford@oxford.gov.uk.
Legal advice and support
- Flag DV is a local solicitors firm that offers free legal advice
- National Centre for Domestic Violence provides free legal support
- Rights of Women - Helping Women Through The Law
Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) membership
We are members of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance. DAHA's mission is to improve the housing sector’s response to domestic abuse through the introduction and adoption of an established set of standards and an accreditation process.
Visit the DAHA website for details.
