Support services for domestic abuse

If you are in danger, please call the emergency services on 999

If you are unable to speak, listen to the operator and follow the guidance – from a mobile, you will be put through to the silent solution system, which will play a 20 second automated message and ask you to press 55 to confirm it’s not safe to speak, allowing you to be put through to the police.

More information about the Silent Solution is available by downloading this document (PDF) or by visiting the Thames Valley Police Domestic Abuse webpages.

If you need immediate, non-emergency support, you can contact your local police by phoning 101.

For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there are a number of local and national services offering help and support. Guidance is also available to help perpetrators change their behaviour.

Reducing the Risk

Reducing the Risk is dedicated to the safety of adults and children at risk of domestic abuse and to the empowerment of the professionals and volunteers who support them.

For more information about places to find support please visit The reduce the risk Oxfordshire webpage.

Independent Domestic violence Adviser (IDVA) Service

Reducing the Risk IDVA Service works with everyone assessed at high risk of significant harm or trauma through abuse.

For more information about the service, visit reducing the risk IDVA webpage.

A2 Domestic Abuse Services

The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline provides emotional support and practical information for adults affected by domestic abuse.

Free helpline: 0800 731 0055 (Mon – Fri 10am – 7pm)

The phone number will not show on a landline phone bill but may appear on an itemised mobile phone bill.

Email: DAS@a2dominion.co.uk

Website: a2dominion.co.uk

Ask for Ani

Ask for Ani is a codeword scheme that enables victims of domestic abuse to discreetly ask for immediate help in participating pharmacies.

If someone uses the codeword in the pharmacy, a member of staff will take the victim to a private room (‘Safe Space’) where they can help them call the police, domestic abuse helpline or a family member, friend or perhaps even a solicitor. 

Over half of UK pharmacies, including Boots, Lloyds, and community pharmacies, are now enrolled in the scheme. People from across the UK have been supported by pharmacists to access support from the police or domestic abuse services.