- Posters on display in toilets in pubs, clubs, restaurants, waiting rooms, coffee shops and workplaces are challenging common misunderstandings around violence in the home.
- It is part of a countywide campaign launched by the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) that calls out one of the crime’s biggest misconceptions – why don’t victims just leave?
- A survey launched today by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner also sets out to gain a clearer an insight into the lives of those who might otherwise suffer in silence
- The OPCC’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co-Ordinator, Sophie Jarrett, said: “Through our survey, we want to make it clear that domestic abuse is not restricted to one particular group; and that what whatever your race, religion, economic circumstances or background, if you are suffering from domestic violence, help is available”.
The next time you go to the loo in a public building, you could learn an important lesson about domestic abuse.
Posters now on display in toilets in pubs, clubs, restaurants, waiting rooms, coffee shops and workplaces are challenging common misunderstandings around violence in the home.
It is part of a countywide campaign launched by the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) that calls out one of the crime’s biggest misconceptions – why don’t victims just leave?
As part of the campaign, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire (OPCC) has also created a survey, launched today (Monday), to gain a clearer insight into the lives of those who might otherwise suffer in silence.
Tessa Davies, GDASS Manager said, “Outdated stereotypes, misunderstandings and untruths have helped create powerful myths about domestic abuse. These myths aren’t just unhelpful they are dangerous as they could delay or even prevent someone from reaching out for help.
We want to make it clear that domestic abuse is not restricted to one particular group
“The aims of our ‘Flushing away the myths’ campaign are to help dispel misconceptions about domestic abuse and let people know where they can find advice and support.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported us so far and encourage employers, hospitality venues and public service providers to display our posters if they haven’t already.”
The locations were chosen because for someone experiencing domestic abuse going to the toilet might be one of the few times they can check their phone without being monitored. The posters also explain some of the complex reasons why people stay in abusive relationships and contain a QR code which links to information and support on the GDASS website.
“We want to reach as broad a range of people as possible, from many different communities, so that we can understand individual needs”
The OPCC’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co-Ordinator, Sophie Jarrett, said: “Overall, we recognise that people who use the services are not necessarily representative of the range of people who might be suffering, and so not know where to go for help.
“Through our survey, we want to make it clear that domestic abuse is not restricted to one particular group; and that whatever your race, religion, economic circumstances or background, if you are suffering from domestic violence, help is available.
“Hopefully, the information we gather will also help the police and their partner organisations improve accessibility and break down barriers that will lead to people suffering domestic abuse receiving the support they need to break the cycle”.
“That is why we want to reach as broad a range of people as possible, from many different communities, so that we can understand individual needs”.
GDASS provides support to women and men aged 16+ who are victims of domestic abuse. It is run by housing and care provider GreenSquareAccord and is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council, with support from the county’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
More information on GDASS’ ‘Flushing away the myths’ campaign can be found here.
You can download a ‘Flushing Away the Myths’ poster here.
