THERE is an increased risk of children being victims of domestic abuse as they enter their summer holidays, Oxfordshire County Council has warned.

It is estimated that nearly two million people across the UK suffer from domestic abuse each year, while nearly 140,000 children live in homes where abuse takes place.

People in Oxfordshire are now being reminded of the support on hand to those who may be experiencing domestic abuse or concerned about others who may be experiencing or using abusive behaviours in their relationships.

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Councillor Mark Lygo, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for public health, highlighted that one in five young people are exposed to domestic abuse as he directed residents to the wealth of support available for residents.

He added: "Over the summer break, with more time at home and with peers outside of school, there is an increased risk of young people being the victims of abuse – whether that be through experiencing it in their home or in their own intimate relationships – without access to support.

"Summer holidays are also the peak time for young people to be subjected to female genital mutilation and forced into marriage.

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"Young people especially may also be at an increased risk of so called ‘honour-based’ abuse, and these abuses can happen both at home in the UK, or abroad."

Domestic abuse can include coercive control – making somebody feel dependant by isolating them from everybody they know, gaslighting – manipulating somebody to feel ‘crazy’, physical violence and financial, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse.

According to the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which supports victims of stalking through the National Stalking Helpline, domestic abuse has risen drastically during the pandemic, and this is evident in the rise of ex-intimate partner stalking cases that they have seen on the helpline.

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The stark rise was also reiterated by Mr Lygo, who added: "The need for household isolation and social distancing due to Covid-19 has put pressure on many relationships and families.

"We have seen a significant rise in domestic abuse over the past 18 months, likely due to movement restrictions increasing the severity of abuse and impacting upon access to usual coping mechanisms."

  • Anyone in immediate danger should phone 999. Or if in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999 and then press 55. This will transfer the call to police, who will assist without the caller having to speak. Those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing can register with emergency SMS by texting ‘register’ to 999.
  • Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services offers free services to anybody aged 16+ experiencing domestic abuse (including so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse), with or without children, regardless of sexuality, ethnicity and immigration status. The Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline is open and available. For help and support call 0800 731 0055 (Mon-Fri 10am-7pm), or email das@a2dominion.co.uk.
  • Alternatively, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24-hours to offer support 0808 2000 247.