Tameside women help empower others to seek help for domestic abuse

Women are being urged to stand up against domestic abuse as part of a new campaign entitled ‘Take Control’.

Women are being urged to stand up against domestic abuse as part of a new campaign entitled ‘Take Control’.

The campaign aims to highlight that people controlling someone’s money, where they go, what they wear or who they see is illegal and gives women experiencing such abuse the confidence and information they need to take control themselves and get help.

Tameside Council is helping to spearhead the campaign.

Council Executive Member Cllr Allison Gwynne, who is responsible for community safety, said: “One in three women and one in six men experience domestic abuse at some point. 

“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

“We want to ensure we reach out to all our communities to ensure they are aware of support services available. 

“We’ve run several previous domestic abuse awareness campaigns - our most recent one targeting male victims - but this time we want to particularly reach this group of local women to ensure they too know how they can get help.”

Cllr Shibley Alam, ward councillor for Hyde Werneth - one of the areas which is being targeted by the campaign, said: “We want women to understand that some of the controlling behaviours they may be subjected to are illegal and for them to feel empowered and confident enough to seek help, advice and support.”

Women and representatives of organisations involved in developing the messages took part in a ‘power walk’ to launch the campaign and help raise awareness. 

Some of those taking part in the launch remained anonymous to highlight that women can seek help while also protecting their identities.

The campaign will be taken right into the heart of target communities with outreach sessions in schools for parents as well as posters, roadside banners and adverts on buses, billboards and bus stops.

The council is working with housing association Jigsaw - which provides the Bridges domestic abuse support service - plus Diversity Matters North West and women from the local South Asian community to develop the campaign.

Bridges have set up a bilingual helpline for the duration of the campaign, which runs until July 14 on 07792 957812. 

There is also an ongoing 24 hour helpline on 0800 328 0967 for Advice, Support and Emergency refuge placements for all genders.  In an emergency you should always call 999.