Campaign stepped up to stop domestic violence in Hucknall and Ashfield in run-up to Christmas

A campaign aimed at preventing domestic violence in Hucknall and the rest of Ashfield is to be stepped up in the run-up to Christmas.
Woman in fear of domestic abuseWoman in fear of domestic abuse
Woman in fear of domestic abuse

The reason is that this offence tends to increase in the countdown to the festive season, it was reported at a meeting of Hucknall Area Committee this week.

Ashfield District Council’s community protection team leader, Chris Parkes, spoke about the White Ribbon scheme, which entails the use of a ‘speech bubble’ chalkboard to engage with men across the district.

“The men have displayed their personal messages onto the board and allowed a photo to be taken which will be used as part of an article promoting the campaign,” said Mr Parkes. “A banner will also be produced and taken to community engagements promoting White Ribbon and encouraging men to sign a pledge.”

A specialist domestic abuse support service for medium-risk victims is provided in Hucknall by Women’s Aid Integrated Services to provide support and a clinic plus training and advice for all agencies.

A worker is based at Hucknall Police Station to review domestic incidents graded medium risk. The project is in place for a year and is currently being reviewed by the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping.

Mr Parkes said a domestic violence awareness scheme had been launched to raise awareness of the offence and of the support services available.

Pull-up display banners have been produced and are currently on display in the Hucknall, Sutton and Kirkby Leisure Centres. The banners will be moved around the district and displayed in the town centres, supermarkets, libraries and community centres.

Mr Parkes said future plans aimed to work with pub watch to design and display domestic violence awareness stickers in toilets. Support for the idea had been forthcoming from licensed premises, he added.