A new public awareness raising campaign has been launched to promote the help available for people at risk of, or experiencing, domestic violence and abuse (DVA).

The campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, aims to reassure those affected by domestic violence and abuse that support services remain available during this difficult time.

Members of the public are being encouraged to show their solidarity and support by sharing a photo of a heart on their palm. Sharing the image and asking others to do the same, aims to show victims that they are not alone, and to convey to perpetrators that domestic abuse is unacceptable in any circumstances.

The campaign publicises support available including the freephone, 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – 0808 2000 247 and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

In Nottingham support is also available from Juno and Equation:

*WOMEN* Juno Women’s Aid:

0808 800 0340 (free, 24/7)

helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk

www.junowomensaid.org.uk

*MEN* Equation’s Men’s Service:

0115 960 5556 (Mon – Fri, 9.30 – 16.30). A confidential answerphone runs 24/7

www.equation.org.uk 

What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure anybody experiencing domestic abuse is aware of these confidential support services.

Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities, Cllr Rebecca Langton, said: 

“These are unprecedented times. We know that, very sadly for some, home is not a safe place to be. The current lockdown makes that an even more frightening prospect to face for everyone in the household.

“Perpetrators need to know – domestic abuse has no place in Nottingham. We will stand with victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. I want to reassure anyone facing domestic violence or abuse that the police, the council and the support services are still here to support you in this difficult time. 

“We need to get this message to get out there. I would ask everyone to share this campaign on social media to promote the helpline numbers and show those facing domestic abuse that they are not alone. 

“I would also like to thank our charities and support workers working hard to ensure helplines and services remain open and accessible to support people who might feel trapped and alone. They are working differently, but they are committed to making sure no one should face abuse alone in Nottingham.” 

“We hope this campaign will reach across Nottingham’s communities and send the message – you are not alone, help is available.”

If you are in immediate danger always call 999. If you can’t speak, there’s a way to communicate in silence. Silent solution 55 is the name given to the initiative that allows people to call 999 when they aren’t able to speak. Follow the guidance here:https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/news-article/how-report-emergency-when-it%E2%80%99s-not-safe-speak

https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/news-article/how-report-emergency-when-it%E2%80%99s-not-safe-speak