Cherwell residents have been invited to donate Christmas gifts to those fleeing domestic abuse.

Cherwell District Council is marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in collaboration with Reducing the Risk, Sunrise Multicultural Project, and Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Service.

An event will be held at Castle Quay in Banbury on Wednesday, December 4, to raise awareness and support for the cause.

People can drop in to learn about the support available for domestic abuse victims, survivors, and their families, and they will also be able to donate gifts.

Councillor Nick Cotter, portfolio holder for housing, said: "Nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime.

"As the council in charge of housing, we have a duty to look out for the signs of domestic abuse; sadly, it is all too often part of the circumstances that put someone at risk of homelessness.

"However, the problem can only be eliminated by working in tandem with other local agencies and raising awareness in wider society.

"The more of us that know the signs of abuse, the easier it is to seek or offer help.

"That’s why we are supporting 16 Days of Activism, a United Nations campaign.

"As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that it is not only a celebration but a time to help those in need.

"I think residents will rally around our idea of donating a small Christmas gift to offer a moment of brightness for victims and survivors."

Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international initiative led by UN Women.

It includes a global social media campaign encouraging people to speak up against gender-based violence, which has been launched using the hashtags #NoExcuse and #16Days.

Domestic abuse support in the district includes safety planning, help with housing, informal legal advice, and assistance from outreach workers.

The council and its partners also work to help people recognise the signs of domestic abuse in survivors or perpetrators and to highlight the different types of domestic abuse.

UN Women points out domestic abuse includes different forms of physical and sexual violence and can also manifest as psychological and financial abuse.

The Domestic Abuse Awareness Day will run from 10am to 3pm near the customer service point in Castle Quay shopping centre.

The council said, because of the nature of the event venue, private spaces will not be available, but people who need privacy and further support can arrange it.

For those unable to attend on December 4, Christmas gifts can be dropped off at the council’s offices at Bodicote House before December 17.