The Abingdon Bridge Supports New Abingdon Charter on Domestic Abuse

Sam Cobley
Aug 15
2 min read

Abingdon has taken a bold and united stand against domestic abuse with the launch of the New Abingdon Charter on Domestic Abuse, part of its role as a Torchbearer Town. This initiative is designed to raise awareness, improve early intervention, and ensure that those affected have the support they need.

Why This Matters

Domestic abuse is far more common than many realise. National statistics show:

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
In the Vale of White Horse alone, an estimated 5,319 people were victims in 2020—yet only one third reported it.
Victim-survivors often approach five different agencies before getting the right help, with healthcare and police being the most common first points of contact.
In 2023, suspected domestic abuse-related suicides exceeded intimate partner homicides for the first time.

These figures underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, community-level approach to prevention, support, and recovery.

The Torchbearer Approach

The Charter brings together Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse, Abingdon Town Council, local charities, businesses, and community groups to create a safer, more responsive environment. The goals include:

Training community members and professionals to become Domestic Abuse Friends and RtR Champions—trusted, trained individuals who can listen, link people to help, and raise awareness.
Expanding local support points across the town with accessible, face-to-face advice and recovery groups.
Raising awareness through posters, cards, and information in multiple locations—ensuring it’s inclusive, non-judgmental, and easy to understand.
Building a network of services so victims and survivors can access help earlier and more easily.

The Abingdon Bridge is proud to support the new Abingdon Charter on Domestic Abuse, recognising the vital role we play in prevention and early intervention for young people.

Through our counselling, 1-1 coaching, group programmes, and workshops, we help young people understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to recognise warning signs and seek help. We are also making a conscious commitment to reach and support more young people who have been directly or indirectly affected by domestic abuse, ensuring they have a safe, trusted space to process their experiences, and develop positive, respectful relationship skills for the future. We are committed to growing our partnership with Reducing the Risk and Abingdon Town Council to maximise our reach and impact across the community.

Gary Hibbins from TAB with the Mayor of Abingdon Rawda Jehanli and Cllr Gwyneth Lewis.

How You Can Help

Learn the signs of domestic abuse—emotional control, isolation from friends and family, constant monitoring, criticism, and blame are all red flags.
If you see or hear something worrying, be a safe, non-judgmental listener.
Share information—make sure those around you know where to get help.
Support local organisations working to prevent and respond to abuse.

If you are affected or concerned about someone else, you can contact: