THE start of 2024 has brought a renewed focus in Tameside to raise awareness of what domestic abuse is and the help that is available.
Women from the borough’s south Asian community have got involved with an empowering message to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
They have teamed up with Tameside Council, Jigsaw Homes, Diversity Matters North West and community leaders to relaunch the Take Control campaign.
It aims to highlight that behaviours such as controlling someone’s money, where they go, what they wear or who they see is illegal, and give people experiencing such abuse the confidence and information they need to seek help.
There will be banners and posters on display and drop-in wellbeing sessions held at various local venues to highlight the Take Control campaign.
The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality’.
This can encompass, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
The national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will put callers in touch with bilingual speakers at the local Bridges service.
The Bridges support service, provided by Jigsaw, has its own 24-hour helpline on 0800 328 0967 for advice, support and emergency refuge placements for all genders and communities.
A Stalybridge councillor who has been part of the campaign has spoken of the importance of the message reaching the local south Asian community.
“We know that domestic abuse is under-reported on every level – gender, age, ethnicity and sexuality – but our data shows that an even smaller proportion of referrals for help come from the local south Asian community,” said Eleanor Wills, the Executive Member of Tameside Council responsible for population health.
“We also understand, from our work with relevant community groups and charities, that south Asian women who are abused are less likely to report it – this can be for many reasons such as fear, shame, culture, family pressure and lack of understanding that domestic abuse is illegal in the UK.
“We’re really grateful for the input from volunteers from our local south Asian community to help ensure the images, messages and delivery of the campaign will be meaningful and helpful to women in their peer group.
“It’s important we reach out to all our communities to ensure they are aware of the support services available for everyone.”