Champions
The Oxfordshire Champions network are trained, supported and resourced practitioners across a range of agencies who are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse.
Research tells us that victims can go to as many as 10 agencies before they find appropriate help, advice and support. By having champions in many agencies the aim is to dramatically reduce this number. In order to work effectively with victims and to ensure their safety, professionals need to have a common understanding of the issues and have the ability to co-ordinate their efforts and work more efficiently. We need to disseminate a good understanding of domestic violence among professionals in all agencies in a way that ensures that the information is of a good quality and up to date.
The Champion is seen as the lead for domestic abuse issues within their agency or unit and acts as the contact in and out of that unit/agency. They will be able to advise their colleagues on management of individual cases and ensure that they are aware of and have access to local resources and support. Champions and will understand how other Champions can assist in supporting, helping and advising a victim of domestic abuse and their dependents.
At present we have trained approximately 300 Champions in around 59 agencies/organisations, delivering a wide range of services. There are a total of twelve network meetings a year, three in each district; Cherwell, West, South and Vale, and City which helps Champions add to their knowledge and to build those professional and personal relationships which will support them joining the ‘virtual’ team.
More information
- How and where it was developed
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Training and network meeting
- How to join the network
Registered Users
For member access to the registered user's part of the website please click here
Help lines
- National helpline
(24 hrs)
0808 2000 247 - Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline
0800 731 0055 - Police
(non emergency)
0845 8 505 505 - Victim support
0845 450 3883 - Kiran Asian
women’s aid
0208 558 1986 - Men's advice line
0808 801 0327 - Broken Rainbow
(LGBT)
020 8539 9507 - Elder abuse
0208 765 7000 - Childline
0800 1111
