VICTIMS of violence and abuse will be given help and support by a new group which is seeking to make an Oxford estate safer.

Several concerned residents calling themselves Leys Matters are launching a campaign called Safe Leys to stamp out violence in all its forms in Blackbird Leys.

The county councillor for the area, Deborah McIlveen, is supporting the campaign after several constituents came to her since she was elected last May to complain about the effects of violence.

She said: “There is a need to address violence and abuse, particularly connected with drug dealing and domestic violence, which is making some members of the community not feel safe at night.

“There are people living in fear, it could be adults, children or young people, and that fear means that they don’t want to tell anyone about it.

“We’re seeking to develop a coordinated community response to the problems.

“Everyone can help people but often they don’t know how.

“The most important thing is to be there and listen and support by offering options without judgement and then get them to an advice service that can help.”

Ms McIlveen stressed that she didn’t feel violence and abuse was any more of an issue on the estate than in other areas of Oxford.

Violent crime peaked over the summer, with 28 offences were reported to the police in June but dropped in the autumn, with 12 offences reported in November, the most recent month on record.

Ms McIlveen continued: “Most people on this estate find it very friendly and safe.

“People come here from outside and are almost shocked to discover people are really friendly around here.

“They say ‘this place has much more of a community feel than where we live.’

“But violence happens here, just like any other place.

“In this community we want to do something about it, we don’t want to put up with it.”

The group plans to run training sessions to give residents the knowledge to be able to support anybody who may need help to escape from violence.

Materials will also be developed to give people advice and shops and community spaces will be marked with posters so that victims know where they can go for help.

A meeting is being planned by the campaigners for February for anyone who wants to get involved to get together and discuss potential solutions.

The campaign will be launched on International Women’s Day on March 8.

Ms McIlveen said: “We won’t be able to change things over night for these individuals but step by step we can make a difference.”