What is domestic violence/abuse?
Domestic violence/abuse mainly occurs in intimate relationships, however it can also occur in family relationships with people such as siblings, parents or children, it is not always a partner. Domestic violence/abuse is not always physical abuse it can also include behaviour such as
- Controlling or coercive (using force or threats) actions towards you
- Shouting, name calling, verbal threats, threats to you or other friends and family including pets
- Threats of suicide or harming themselves
- Lying to other people about you
- Ignoring you, blaming you, putting you down
- Isolating you from other people such as friends and family
- Forcing you to do intimate or sexual acts
- Physical abuse such as slapping, hitting, biting, hair pulling any unwanted physical contact
Domestic violence/abuse can happen to anyone - it is NOT acceptable. You are NOT to blame and you are NOT alone. There is help, please don`t be afraid to ask for help and speak out.
Domestic Abuse Helpline - Monday- Friday 9am - 5pm
National Helpline - free 24 hours
Online help - GOV.UK website
Specialist Independent Domestic Violence
Oldham has a team of specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in addition to a specialist Officer who deals with "honour based violence" (including forced marriage and FGM). This team can be contacted through Early Help- Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Police
General switchboard - 24 hours
Emergency - 24 hours for URGENT help
Specialised Unit - Office hours
Social services
Emergency Duty Team -Out of hours
Children and Adults Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - Office hours
National Helpline - 24 hours
Threshold Women`s Services Helpline - 24 hours
National Centre for Domestic Violence Legal Advice line ( help with injunctions) - 24 hours
MALE - Men`s Advice Line Enquires, for specialist support for men suffering domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours
Galop - for specialist support for anyone in LGBT community suffering domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours
RESPECT - for specialist support for the perpetrators (the people who carry out the act) of domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours
The Children`s Society
A service for children aged 5-19 who are exposed to sexual or domestic abuse or have experienced this previously. This is available for children living in Manchester, Oldham or Rochdale.
Childline - 24 hours
NSPCC - 24 hours
Oldham Citizen`s Advice Bureau
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger contact the Police on 999.