Domestic Violence and Abuse

1. Organisations that offer support

Everyone has the right to feel safe and happy. If you are living with an abusive partner, please know that you are not alone. Help and support are available.

If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

Local Support – Oldham

Domestic Abuse Helpline

Available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm (answerphone outside these hours)

Phone: 0161 770 1572

Police

  • Emergency (24 hours): 999
  • Non-emergency (24 hours): 101
  • Specialised Unit (office hours): 0161 856 4551 or 0161 856 4555

Social Services

  • Emergency Duty Team (out of hours): 0161 770 6936
  • Children and Adults Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) – office hours: 0161 770 7777

Specialist Independent Domestic Violence Service (Oldham)

Oldham has a team of specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), including a specialist officer supporting those affected by so-called honour-based violence (including forced marriage and FGM).

The team offers emotional and practical support, including:

  • Outreach support
  • Support from the point of crisis
  • Risk assessment and safety planning
  • Help with civil and criminal justice matters
  • Advocacy on your behalf

The service operates Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.

Phone: 0161 770 1572

Early Help Service

Early Help is available to all residents, whether you need a little advice or more complex support. The aim is to work with you to address all concerns together, rather than passing you between services.

Early Help can support with:

  • Homelessness or eviction
  • Employment and skills
  • Substance misuse
  • Mental health
  • School behaviour and attendance
  • Relationship difficulties

To access Early Help, contact the MASH team:

Phone: 0161 770 7777

24-Hour Helplines

  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
  • Threshold Women’s Services: 0161 628 4991
  • National Centre for Domestic Violence (injunction support): 0844 8044 999

Specialist Support

  • Men’s Advice Line (MALE): 0808 801 0327
  • Galop (LGBT+ support): 0800 999 5428
  • RESPECT (for people concerned about their behaviour): 0808 802 4040

Support for Children and Young People

If you are in danger, call 999.

Healthy Young Minds Oldham

Offers specialist mental health and emotional wellbeing support for children and young people:

The Children’s Society

Supports children and young people aged 5–19 who have experienced or are exposed to sexual or domestic abuse and who live in Manchester, Oldham or Rochdale:

Childline

No child should have to experience abuse at home.

  • It is not your fault.
  • Abuse isn’t always physical — it can include bullying or threats.
  • You can talk confidentially to a counsellor.

Freephone: 0800 1111

NSPCC

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are worried about a child, contact the NSPCC helpline:

Phone: 0808 800 5000

Trained counsellors can listen, assess your concerns and take action if needed.

Housing Support

If you need emergency accommodation or advice about moving home due to domestic abuse, contact:

Housing Options Team

Advice and Information

Strategy

You deserve to feel safe. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but there are people who will listen and support you every step of the way.