Anti-abuse drive in Christmas run-up

The White Ribbon scheme, which uses a ‘speech bubble’ message board to engage with men across the district, was revealed at a meeting of Hucknall Area Committee last week.

Ashfield District Council’s community protection team leader, Chris Parkes, said: “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. 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 Notts 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.