Guidance for domestic abuse and older people

OCC have recently released information on domestic abuse and older people, including ways of checking in and supporting them. There is also a poster which can be used to share information about services available to support older people experiencing domestic abuse.

• Poster download
• Leaflet download

A2 Domestic Abuse Services

The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline provides emotional support and practical information for adults affected by domestic abuse. They work with victims to empower them to make decisions regarding their relationship, irrespective of whether they wish to leave or not. The helpline can help with any enquiries that you may have and provide access to support services. This is a free number and will not show on a landline phone bill, but may appear on an itemised mobile phone bill. A referral form for professionals is available on their website.

Website: www.a2dominion.co.uk/about-us/domestic-abuse-support-services
Helpline: 0800 731 0055 (M – F 10:00 – 19:00)
Email: DAS@a2dominion.co.uk

Relate

Provide counselling to victims and survivors who are in, or have left, an abusive relationship.

Website: www.relate.org.uk
Phone: 01865 242960

Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre

Confidential listening service offering support and information over text, email and phone, for women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse and violence. They also provide the Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy service for Oxfordshire.

Website: www.osarcc.org.uk
Phone: 0800 783 6294
Email: support@osarcc.org.uk

FLAG DV

FLAG DV, Free Legal Advice Group for Domestic Violence, is a charity providing free legal advice from family law solicitors. They focus on empowerment, protection and choice and operate across Thames Valley in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. To access their service, please complete their referral form. They also operate a phone line ensuring all victims can access the service. Support is available to any domestic abuse victim in the Thames Valley, no matter their gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Website: www.flagdv.org.uk
Phone: 01635 015854 Mon/Wed/Fri 10am – 1pm
Email: enquiries@flagdv.org.uk

Oxford Parent Infant Project (OXPIP)

Oxpip works with parents to help them better understand their relationship with their baby and supports parents who are uncertain about their parenting.

Website: www.oxpip.org.uk
Phone: 01865 778034

Oxford Family Information Service

Providing information and support for children, young people and families in Oxfordshire.

Website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/children-education-and-families/information-parents/family-information-service
Phone: 01865 323332

OXME

This info-packed site contains everything for young people in Oxfordshire!  Their LGBTQ page has been developed to provide LGBTQ+ communities with better access to information, services and advice from local, regional and national organisations.

Website: www.oxme.info/cms

Children’s Services

Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board

• Website
• Training brochure
• Threshold of need – 2019
• Procedures manual – 2019
• Domestic abuse pathway for young people

Oxfordshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Website: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/business/information-providers/multi-agency-safeguarding-hub
Phone: 0345 050 7666

If you have an urgent concern for a child, call 999 or 1010.

LCSS (The Locality and Community Support Service)

The Locality and Community Support Service (LCSS) is part of our Children’s Services Integration Programme. You can find your local LCSS Community Coordinator on the OSCB website.

The LCSS provides advice and guidance to universal professional partner agencies including schools, health and voluntary and community groups, across Oxfordshire when emerging concerns are raised for children that do not require an immediate safeguarding response. The LCSS is the first point of contact where non-immediate safeguarding concerns are identified.

Safe! Project

Safe! supports children and young people to feel safe, thrive and achieve their potential. They provide a young victim service and Building Respectful Families for families affected by Child to Parent Violence across Thames Valley.

Website: www.safeproject.org.uk
Phone: 01865 582 495 (professionals) / 0800 133 7938 (service users)
Referral form: https://cms.safeproject.org.uk/refer

The Building Respectful Families programme has been developed using the Break4Change model which has a proven record in Brighton and Hove.

Project background:

• Oxford APV Website
• Oxford University blog
• BRF Programme leaflet

For more information contact Ruth Donaldson on 01865 203 829 / 07419 374271

Abuse of vulnerable adults

In Oxfordshire, the criteria for being defined as a “vulnerable adult” are someone who is:

• Aged 18 or over,
• Receiving or in need of care. e.g. help with washing or dressing,
• Unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

Further information on policies and procedures in Oxfordshire is available in the following resources:

• Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board Website
• OSAB’s Multi-Agency Procedure – 2018
• OSAB’s Threshold of Needs Matrix – 2018
• Oxfordshire Social and Community Services

Phone: 0845 050 7666 / 01865 328232
Out of hours emergency number: 0800 833 408
Email: access@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Independent Domestic violence Adviser (IDVA) Service

Reducing the Risk IDVA Service works with everyone assessed at high risk of significant harm or trauma through abuse. For more information about the service, visit our dedicated page.

Housing departments

Housing departments have a duty to house anyone fleeing domestic abuse.

Oxford City: 01865 252858
Cherwell: 01295 252535
South Oxfordshire: 01235 540359
Vale of the White Horse: 01235 540359
West Oxfordshire: 01993 861010
Social & Community Services: 0845 050 7666
Out of hours: 0800 833408

Oxford Witness Service

If an individual is going to court as a witness or victim of crime, the Witness Service can provide free and confidential support to help them cope. Family and friends who are attending court can get help too and the Witness Service supports witnesses for both the prosecution and defence. The Witness Service can also provide support to children at court.

The Witness Service can give the individual:

• Someone to talk to confidentially, about how they feel before a trial
• Information about what to expect in court, including a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
• A quiet place to wait before the individual is called to give evidence
• Someone to go with the witness into the courtroom if they want, to help them feel more at ease
• Practical help (for example with claiming expenses)
• Easier access to people, such as court staff, who can answer specific questions about the case
• A chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information

The Witness Service is free and independent of the police or courts.

Phone: 01865 240957 / 01865 727753

MARAC in Oxfordshire

• A Guide to MARACs for professionals

To make a referral, use MODUS or email the county MARAC administrator for guidance: Alan.Thompson@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

Support with injunctions

There are a number of possible options for any victim of domestic abuse regarding family court. If you are on a low income or think you cannot afford to pay for one privately, you can use the Ministry of Justice Legal Aid Calculator to see if you qualify for help.

The Law Society website can help in finding a qualified solicitor whether privately or, if you qualify, a Legal Aid Provider in family law. The search facility is useful in identifying local firms in any area.

DA Champion Training

The Oxfordshire Champions Network is formed of trained, supported and resourced practitioners across a range of agencies who are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse. For more information on DA Champion training, visit the dedicated page.