Information on Loughborough

Domestic Violence Week

Posted on 26/11/2007
P. Klein

Argument

Cartoon strips will highlight different aspects of domestic violence, when a major campaign is launched this month.

Leicestershires Domestic Violence campaign, which takes place from Monday 26th to Friday 30th November, will use publicity materials to depict situations of psychological, sexual and spiritual abuse, to show domestic violence can involve types of abuse other than physical violence.

In each of the cartoon strips the story begins with the "honeymoon period of a relationship. The second picture portrays the stage when individuals begin to question whether what they are experiencing is normal. The cartoon strip ends with the victim questioning what they can do? - and this is what the campaign aims to address.

Domestic violence has devastating effects on those who experience it and the campaign aims to highlight that the behaviours depicted are not normal or acceptable and hopes to encourage victims to seek help from local services.

To coincide with the publicity materials awareness raising stands will be displayed in all districts and Boroughs including Loughborough and Charnwood to ensure the message reaches the general public. These stands will have information on domestic violence, advice and support services for your local area.

Leicestershire County Council is also raising awareness internally with their own staff. There will be awareness stands in reception and in the canteen of County Hall and some satellite offices, two domestic violence training sessions for staff and a raffle to raise money for the welfare fund for victims of domestic violence.

Ashby Library Exhibition Space will be hosting "Awakening art exhibition to evoke thoughts and feelings around the impact of domestic violence. This exhibition will be open for the public from Monday 26th November to Friday 7th December.

Byron Rhodes, the County Councils Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: "The events this week aim to raise awareness of the different types of abuse, reach a wide range of people and encourage both victims and perpetrators to seek help. The County Council events highlights the proactive response to domestic violence and our recognition that we also need to raise awareness within our own organisation

For confidential help, advice please contact the Domestic Violence Helpline on 0116 255 0004.