Local leaders have joined together in a campaign to support victims of domestic abuse. The J9 initiative is a campaign which has been launched in other parts of the country.
The symbol J9 is in memory of Janine Mundy, a mother of two who was killed by her estranged husband whilst he was on police bail. Janine used to sign her text messages J9, hence its name.
A joint letter is being sent out inviting organisations across Rushcliffe to take part in free J9 training in order to create a network of safe spaces across the area where victims of domestic abuse can go to seek help.
They will be identified with a pink heart with ‘J9’ in the centre. The letter is signed by the J9 Lead in Nottinghamshire, Nicola Brindley MBE, Rushcliffe’s Member of Parliament, Ruth Edwards, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping and the Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson.
The J9 training is intended to raise awareness and increase knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse for staff in public and voluntary sector organisations and local businesses like shops, salons and pubs.
The training aims to ensure that learners are equipped to respond appropriately and effectively to survivors of abuse and help them to access support.
Commenting on the launch, Ruth Edwards said:
“Lockdown has thrust the grim reality of domestic abuse into the spotlight. We must do all we can to ensure that safe spaces exist across Rushcliffe where victims can go to receive support.
“The J9 initiative is a fantastic way for communities across Rushcliffe to look out for vulnerable people. I hope that lots of organisations will sign up for the training and that we will soon see the pink J9 hearts popping up across the area.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping, said:
“Domestic abuse does not discriminate between victims and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, class or sexuality. It is vital we increase the avenues in which victims and survivors are able to seek help and safety outside of the home where the risk of harm – and fear of repercussion – is greatest.
“I am proud, as Nottinghamshire’s PCC, to be supporting the J9 campaign here in Rushcliffe and offering further opportunities in which vulnerable people can turn for support.
“Preventing and eradicating violence and abuse is the responsibility of us all and the pink heart symbols across the district will provide immediate reassurance for those victims who continue to suffer in silence.”
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) J9 Lead for Nottinghamshire, Nicola Brindley MBE, said:
“We have been running the J9 initiative in the DWP for a while now and we are incredibly proud of the work we do to support survivors of Domestic Abuse. J9 is a great initiative that has supported many people who have been able to access the jobcentre as a safe place to disclose.
We are very pleased to see J9 rolled out into the Rushcliffe area and offer much needed safe spaces for survivors to access support.”
Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson said:
“Domestic abuse is not just physical violence, it can be psychological, financial, emotional and controlling or coercive behaviour. We’re committed to supporting J9 and this initiative to help people find safe spaces where they can seek vital support if they are suffering.
“COVID-19 has seen the demand for domestic abuse helplines and charities surge by a third in some cases and it’s a crucial time to support this work.”