Domestic abuse support services

Abuse in any form can have a serious impact on a person’s health, safety and overall wellbeing. We understand how difficult it can be to talk about abuse, and we are here to support you in a safe space.

How we can help

Our sexual health service is committed to providing compassionate and supportive care to anyone affected by domestic abuse. If you are experiencing or have experienced abuse, our team can help with:

• Confidential support
  Speak to our trained staff who will listen without judgment and provide emotional support.
• Risk assessment and safety planning
  We can work with you to assess your current situation and develop a plan to help you stay safe. If we are concerned for your safety or the wellbeing of your children or dependents, we may need to involve other services to help keep you safe.
• Referrals to specialised services
  We can connect you with domestic abuse support services.
• Sexual health support
  If the abuse has impacted your sexual health, we can offer testing, treatment and advice on contraception, STIs and pregnancy.

Book an appointment

Other ways to get help

If you are not ready to speak to anyone on the phone or face-to-face, or just want more information, please look at the resources below:

General domestic abuse support

• Refuge – tel 0808 2000 247 for 24/7 domestic abuse support line
  Refuge is the largest specialist domestic abuse organisation in the UK. They can provide help with housing, financial advice, legal help, and advocacy.
• Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Support (ODAS) – tel 0800 731 0055
  Offers confidential advice and guidance as well as practical support to help rebuild confidence and empower you to make the changes you want.
• Reducing the Risk
  An Oxfordshire-based charity committed to strengthening our community’s capacity to reduce the risk of domestic abuse and ensure the safety and wellbeing of victims and survivors. They can organise an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA).
• Women’s Aid
  A national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
• Karma Nirvana – tel 0800 5999 247
  A charity for those affected by Honour Based Abuse.

Young people advice

• oxme.info
  Provides information to support young people’s health and wellbeing, including information about domestic abuse.
• LoveRespect
  A resource run by Women’s Aid that helps young people to recognise the signs of an unhealthy relationship.

Safety

• Phone 999 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. Phone 101 if you need police support but it is not an emergency.
  • If you’re in danger but can’t speak, dial 999, then press 55 when prompted to alert police silently.
  • TapSOS is a non-verbal way to communicate with the Emergency Services. App users can tap which service they require (ambulance, fire, police or coast guard) and the app connects to an emergency call handler.
• BrightSky app
  A  free mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app looks like a weather app.
• Hollie Guard app
  A personal safety app designed to protect victims from violence and incidents, record evidence, and alert emergency services.
• What3words
  Provides an exact location code for a 3-metre square area, which helps with finding a location.

Counselling

• Victims First – tel 0300 1234 148
  Provides free emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime, as well as family members of victims, living in the Thames Valley.
• Clean Slate – tel 01869 232461
  Provides a service that empowers, builds self-esteem, and develops the talking and coping skills of adults and young people, including counselling and online courses.

Digital / online safety

• How to stay safe online
  Visit this page if you want to know more about the ‘exit this site quickly’ button or if you are worried about someone knowing you have visited this website.
• Women’s Aid – Cover your tracks online
  Online safety information.
• Interactive ‘digital breakup’ tool
  Provides awareness and understanding of the various digital platforms a partner might have access to. The tool also provides the necessary knowledge to help secure these digital platforms against potential tech abuse from a partner or ex-partner.

LGBTIA+

• GALOP – tel 0800 999 5428
  Supports LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.

Men’s support

• Men’s Advice Line – tel 0808 8010327
  For male victims of domestic abuse.
• AMOS
  A support programme for men, run by Clean Slate.

Courses/ learning

• Freedom Programme – tel 01942 262 270
  A domestic violence programme that provides information through an online course or in person sessions. The programme is available for women, men and children.
• ‘Own My Life’ course
  An online or in-person program enabling women who have been subjected to abuse to regain ownership of their lives.
• MyNARA
  A safe, professionally guided domestic abuse recovery app for those who are suffering in a romantic relationship with a narcissist.

Legal advice

• Flag DV
  Provides free legal advice to people affected by domestic abuse in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
• Domestic Violence Assist
  Can support you in obtaining legal orders to help protect you and your rights when facing domestic abuse.
• Citizen’s Advice
  Provides practical support in a domestic abuse situation.
• WEPROTECT app
  App developed by the Domestic Abuse Alliance, which allows referrals from services to appropriate legal support and intervention for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Other

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, you can do a voluntary social care referral via Oxfordshire City Council.