Domestic Abuse Awareness Month: Help and support available across Cherwell

October marks Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic abuse, challenge misconceptions and remind anyone affected that support is available.

Published: Monday, 12th October 2026

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background or circumstances. It is not always physical and can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, economic abuse and sexual abuse.

While many people recognise the physical signs of abuse, coercive and controlling behaviours can be harder to identify. Domestic Abuse Awareness Month encourages people to learn more about the signs of abuse, seek help if they need it, and support friends or family members who may be affected.

Support is available

Whether you are experiencing domestic abuse yourself or are concerned about someone you know, there are specialist organisations and services available to help.

Cherwell District Council's domestic abuse webpages provide information on recognising abuse, staying safe, supporting someone else and accessing local and national support services.

Residents can find advice and support by visiting: www.cherwell.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-advice-and-support

Domestic abuse can affect men too

Although domestic abuse is often discussed in relation to women and girls, men can experience abuse too.

Male victims may face additional barriers to seeking support, including concerns about not being believed, embarrassment, or uncertainty about whether what they are experiencing is abuse.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their relationships and support is available regardless of gender.

Read more at: www.ncdv.org.uk/news/myths-vs-facts-male-victims-domestic-abuse/

Support for pet owners

For some victim-survivors, concerns about the safety of a pet can be a significant barrier to leaving an abusive situation or accessing safe accommodation.

Specialist charities can help by providing temporary fostering arrangements for pets while their owners seek safety and support.

Organisations that provide this support include:

• Refuge4Pets - https://refuge4pets.org.uk/
• Cats Protection Lifeline - www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/cp-lifeline

These services help ensure people do not have to choose between their own safety and the welfare of a much-loved pet.

How to help someone

If someone confides in you about domestic abuse, it is important to:

• Listen without judgement
• Reassure them that the abuse is not their fault
• Avoid pressuring them to make decisions
• Respect their choices
• Help them access specialist support when they are ready

Simply listening and believing someone can be an important first step.

Need help?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, support is available.

Visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-advice-and-support for information about support services and advice.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to let the operator know that it is a genuine emergency.

Throughout October, Cherwell District Council will be sharing information and resources as part of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, helping residents understand the signs of abuse and where to turn for support.