Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse mainly takes place in intimate relationships. It can be experienced from a current or former partner. It includes an number of different types of behaviour and power and control tactics. It is not just about physical violence. It can include:

Shouting, Mocking, Accusing, Name Calling, Verbally threatening you, family and pets
Threatening suicide, lying to family & friends about you,
Putting you down, ignoring you, blaming you, isolating you from friends and family
Forcing you to perform sexual acts
Punching, slapping, hitting, biting, kicking, hair pulling, pushing, shoving, burning, strangling

All these are behaviours of an abusive partner. All of these are acts of domestic abuse.

Who does it happen to?

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman.
It doesn’t matter if you are straight or gay.
It doesn’t matter how much you earn.
It doesn’t matter if you have children.
It doesn’t matter what your religion is.
It doesn’t matter what your race is.

What can I do?

If you are in an abusive relationship:

Remember you are not to blame
Remember it is not acceptable
Remember you are not alone

How can I leave?

You can always prepare to leave your partner even if you are not ready at this moment in time. There may also be a need to leave in an emergency.

The tips below if followed can help you prepare to leave:

Keep your mobile phone charged at all times.
Have change to hand in case you need to use a public phone.
Keep some emergency money to one side (this may be for a public transport, food or somewhere to stay overnight)
Always have your house and/or car keys to hand.
Make sure your documents like passports, birth certificates, benefit books etc. are in a safe place that you can get to easily. You may want to leave them with a trusted friend or relative.
Don’t forget to take any medicines you need with you.
Have copies of any legal papers i.e. Injunctions
Do your children know how to contact the emergency services? Do they know important telephone numbers like family members?
Leave extra clothes and money at a friends or relatives house.

Who can help?

Police
General Switchboard (24 Hours): 0161 872 5050
In an emergency (24 Hours): 999
Specialised Unit (Office Hours): 0161 856 4551 or 4555
For emergency help or advice on domestic abuse and policing.

Housing/Accommodation
Housing Options
Emergencies Only (Out of Hours): 07940 008834
Office Hours: 0161 770 4555 or 3556
eMail: fcho.homeless@oldham.gov.uk

For information and advice about emergency accommodation or moving home because of domestic abuse.

Helplines
Oldham Family Crisis Group (24 Hours): 0161 628 4991
National Helpline (24 Hours): 0800 2000 247

Social Services
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours): 0161 628 5933
Children & Families Division (Office Hours): 0161 770 3730

Specialist Support
MALE (Men’s Advice Line & Enquiries): 0845 064 6800
Broken Rainbow (LGBT Services): 08452 60 44 60
RESPECT: 08452 60 44 60

Local Agencies
Victim Support & Witness Service: 0161 652 0405
Oldham Citizen’s Advice Bureau: 0845 120 3703
Oldham Welfare Rights Service: 0161 770 4334
Oldham Law Centre: 0161 627 0925

Useful Websites

The following provide information, advice and support on living with or trying to escape an abusive relationship.

Women’s Aid – England: www.womensaid.org.uk
Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
Legal advice for women: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Childline: www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk