What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is often referred to as domestic violence. Soha Housing believes that none of its residents should live in fear of violence from a current or former spouse, partner, or other household members. Soha will take steps to assist and support anyone suffering from or threatened with abuse.
What you can do?
Asking for help or advice can often be difficult. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned about a friend or relative, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Tell someone about what is happening to you.
- Talk to someone you trust, such as a doctor, friend or Soha
- Call 999 if you or your children are in immediate danger
- Keep all essential documents in a safe place so you can take them with you in a hurry (Birth certificates, benefit entitlement documents, marriage certificate, immigration papers). Include some essential items such as money, a change of clothes, car or house keys
- Choose a safe place to go.
- Talk to a friend or relative about staying with them in an emergency.
Soha's Service Standards:
If you report domestic abuse to us, we will:
- Treat any information you give us confidentially
- Contact you as soon as we are made aware of any incidents (within 24 hours, but sooner if required)
- Arrange for any emergency repairs to your home as a result of an incident of abuse (e.g. fixing broken window or entrance door)
- Offer you an interview with us within 48 hours and give you the option to talk with a male or female officer
- Arrange for this interview to be somewhere convenient for you
- Support you to remain in your home unless a move is the best solution
- Improve the security of your home if you wish to stay
- Involve the Police if you give your permission for this
- Put you in touch with support services to help you
Who else can you contact?
- National Helpline (24 hrs): 0808 2000 247
- Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline: 0800 731 0055
- Police (non-emergency number): 0845 8505 505
- Victim Support: 0845 450 3883
- Kiran Asian Women's Aid: 020 8558 1986
- Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Broken Rainbow: 020 8539 9507
- Elder Abuse: 020 8765 7000
- Childline: 0800 1111
- Reducing the Risk is Oxfordshire’s dedicated website for those affected by domestic abuse.