Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Domestic abuse

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Domestic abuse is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour. Your partner, ex-partner or family member may want to control every aspect of your life from where you go, who you see and what you spend. It affects all types of gender, age, religious belief, sexual orientation, race and disability.

What is domestic abuse?

The Government defines 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 children are affected

It is emotionally damaging for children to live in a home where there is domestic abuse. People experiencing domestic abuse often worry what will happen to their children if they tell someone about it. You will be supported to ensure that they are protected from the effects. There is help for you and your children to be safe and reduce the risk.

One in ten lives are being affected by domestic abuse; if that includes you or someone you know, get help and support by visiting the Domestic Abuse Oxfordshire Reducing the Risk website. 

For more advice

See Domestic abuse useful contacts