The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex is investing in training to help the community to spot the signs of domestic abuse taking place around them.
Free training to spot signs of domestic abuse is being offered across the county by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Essex.
Roger Hirst, who has held the position since 2016, contributed £20,000 towards the roll-out of the scheme to the county from the 2019/2020 Community Safety Fund.
The J9 Domestic Abuse initiative was named in memory of Janine Mundy who was killed by her estranged husband while on police bail.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has contributed £20K towards the J9 Domestic Abuse scheme
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is one of the priorities in our Police and Crime Plan.
“Working together with partners across the county, our objective is to help those who suffer in silence and reduce the impact on children and families.
“The J9 training helps people recognise the signs and indicators of domestic abuse and gives victims confidence that they will get the help and support they need. It really is a great initiative and one that we are proud to support.”
Under the scheme:
• Staff in all Job Centres in Essex have received training, including Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
• Training has been delivered to safeguarding leads and educators in schools across three districts
• A choreographer developed a piece of dance theatre about domestic abuse. After J9 training, they have since trained staff at every theatre they have performed at to make them J9 venues
In 2012, Epping Forest District Council began delivering the scheme.
In response, Safer Places, the domestic violence support service covering the area at that time, saw a 125 per cent increase in referrals from victims in that area.
Trainer and consultant Jo Majauskis said: “Training has been delivered to multi agencies and we estimate that we have more than 2,000 trained J9 champions across the county.
“Following the success in Essex, the J9 scheme continues to roll out and has received interest from other counties, crossing borders into Hertfordshire and Barking and Dagenham.”
To book a community J9 training session with your organisation, contact Jo Majauskis on 07871 263636 or email j9community@outlook.com
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