Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence/abuse?

Domestic violence/abuse mainly occurs in intimate relationships, however it can also occur in family relationships with people such as siblings, parents or children, it is not always a partner. Domestic violence/abuse is not always physical abuse it can also include behaviour such as 

  • Controlling or coercive (using force or threats) actions towards you
  • Shouting, name calling, verbal threats, threats to you or other friends and family including pets
  • Threats of suicide or harming themselves
  • Lying to other people about you
  • Ignoring you, blaming you, putting you down
  • Isolating you from other people such as friends and family
  • Forcing you to do intimate or sexual acts
  • Physical abuse such as slapping, hitting, biting, hair pulling any unwanted physical contact
    Domestic violence/abuse can happen to anyone - it is NOT acceptable. You are NOT to blame and you are NOT alone. There is help, please don`t be afraid to ask for help and speak out.

Domestic Abuse Helpline - Monday- Friday 9am - 5pm

  • 0161 770 7572

National Helpline - free 24 hours

  • 0808 2000 247

Online help - GOV.UK website 

Specialist Independent Domestic Violence

Oldham has a team of specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in addition to a specialist Officer who deals with "honour based violence" (including forced marriage and FGM). This team can be contacted through Early Help- Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

  • 0161 770 1572

Police 

General switchboard - 24 hours

  • 101

Emergency - 24 hours for URGENT help

  • 999

Specialised Unit - Office hours

  • 0161 856 4551/4555

Social services

Emergency Duty Team -Out of hours

  • 0161 770 6936

Children and Adults Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - Office hours

  • 0161 770 7777

National Helpline - 24 hours 

  • 0808 2000 247

Threshold Women`s Services Helpline - 24 hours

  • 0161 628 4991

National Centre for Domestic Violence Legal Advice line ( help with injunctions) - 24 hours

  • 0844 8044 999

MALE - Men`s Advice Line Enquires, for specialist support for men suffering domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours

  • 0808 801 0327

Galop - for specialist support for anyone in LGBT community suffering domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours

  • 0800 999 5428

RESPECT - for specialist support for the perpetrators (the people who carry out the act) of domestic violence/abuse - 24 hours 

  • 0808 802 4040

The Children`s Society

A service for children aged 5-19 who are exposed to sexual or domestic abuse or have experienced this previously. This is available for children living in Manchester, Oldham or Rochdale.

Childline - 24 hours 

NSPCC  - 24 hours 

  • 0808 800 5000

Oldham Citizen`s Advice Bureau

  • 0300 330 9073

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger contact the Police on 999.