Professionals

This section of the website is aimed at giving information, advice and guidance to professionals dealing with all those affected by domestic violence/abuse.  It also keeps you informed about what is happening in Oxfordshire and how to get involved if you'd like to.

Definition

The Home Office 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”

• It is widely accepted that domestic violence occurs across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.  Remember when dealing with clients it’s not about anger, its all about the abuse of power and control.
• The physical manifestations are criminal offences and can include assaults; biting, kicking, hitting, indecent assault, rape, criminal damage and threats.
• The non-physical forms may also amount to offences, under the Protection from Harassment Act.
• For advice ring your local Domestic Violence Unit. Other useful numbers can be found in the Oxfordshire DV Directory