Domestic violence

What is Domestic Violence

The Home Office describes Domestic Violence 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"

How can we help?

Each case is different. We will offer you an appointment with a Housing Advisor to talk about your situation in private. All information will be treated in confidence.

You are welcome to bring a friend or Support Worker along with you if you wish.

The advice and assistance that we offer will depend on your wishes and whether you wish to leave the accommodation or discuss what options may be open to you. Information may include the following:

Rights of occupation
Injunctions available
Assistance with referall to Thames Valley Domestic Violence unit for further advice and support
Referal to Support Worker at Oxfordshire Women's Aid
Referral to West Oxfordshire Domestic Violence outreach worker
Access to alternative accommodation

What if I am homeless?

If you are homeless, we will offer you an appointment with a Housing Adviser to talk about your situation in private. They will:

Help you to complete a homeless application
Arrange a place of safety, this may be a refuge, but may also be emergency accommodation
Advise you of your legal rights
Let you know what help the Council can offer by way of nominating you for rehousing by a Housing Association

Making an appointment

If you are homeless, threatened with homelessness, or just want advice, you should contact

Allocations                        Tel: 01993 861010
Housing Services               Contact Housing Services
Elmfield
New Yatt Road
Witney   OX28 1NB

If you are homeless, an officer will see you that day. If your problem is less urgent, we will make you an appointment to see an officer at the Town Centre Shop, 3 Welch Way, Witney

The Police

The police can provide practical help and advice and there are officers that deal specifically with cases of domestic violence. They are trained to assist and will consider your safety and well being as their first priority.
You can meet personally with a member of the domestic violence team if you want to. The time and place of the meeting can be arranged for your convenience.

Women's Refuges

A refuge is a safe house where women who are experiencing domestic abuse can live free from violence. If you have children, you can take them with you. Some refuges are small houses. You can choose to travel as far from, or stay as near to your present home as you wish. Some refuges are specifically for women from particular ethnic and cultural backgrounds, for example, Black, Asian or South American women - and many refuges have disabled access and workers who can assist women who have special needs.

Men's Refuges

There is no emergency refuge provision in Oxfordshire but the Council can put you in contact with hostels that may be able to provide accommodation.
The local Authority may also be able to secure temporary accommodation on your behalf.

Victim Support

You can contact Victim Support directly. The Police can also put you in touch if necessary. The service is free and confidential and can give genuine emotional and practical support

Citizens Advice Bureaus

The Citizens Advice Bureau can put you in contact with agencies in your area who can provide help and support. They can talk to other agencies on your behalf if you want them to.

Help Lines

Police Domestic Violence Unit	01295 754625
Samaritans	01865 722122
Women's Aid National Domestic Violence Helpline	0808 2000247
Cherwell Refuge Referral Line Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm Oxfordshire Domestic Violence (A2Dominion) Helpline Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm	01295 258053 0800 7310055
Victim Support	01865 751511
Citizens Advice Bureau	01993 705691 or at Chipping Norton 01608 641367