Anti-Domestic Abuse Messages sent to Mobiles Make Reporting Mistreatment Easier
Messages explaining how anyone affected by domestic and sexual abuse can seek help will be appearing on mobile phones in Gloucestershire next week (Nov 22-26).
The messages are supported by Gloucestershire’s Public Protection Bureau (PPB) and partner agencies. They will be sent out around the county, in places like Cheltenham and Tewkesbury high streets, from Monday.
The information campaign is part of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. Anyone with the Bluetooth function enabled on their phone, and who is within transmission range, could get a message.
Faye Kamara, Strategic County Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Co-ordinator, said: “Often people suffering from this kind of abuse find it hard even to look for help, for fear of their abuser being alerted.
“Sending out mobile phone messages with helpline numbers on them is an ideal way to reassure the public that help is out there.
“If just a handful of people can get themselves out of an abusive relationship or situation by calling the numbers provided, the campaign will have succeeded.”
One of the messages reads: “Do you feel scared or controlled by your partner? Are you afraid of them or a family member? If so, you could be suffering domestic abuse. Call our Gloucestershire Helpline on 0845 602 9035.”
Another message advertises the Gloucestershire Rape Crisis number 01452 526770 and Childline 0800 1111.
Events will be held throughout the week, all aimed publicising the help available to those trapped in abusive situations.
Children’s centres across Gloucestershire will be raising awareness with display boards and making literature about domestic abuse available.
Staff will be wearing a badge every day of the week, each carrying a statistic about domestic abuse.
Libraries will also be displaying posters advertising the county’s services.
Those include Gloucestershire’s Central Allocation Referral Point (CARP) available on 0845 602 9035, and Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Support and Advocacy Project (GDVSAP) on 01452 500115.
