A survivor of domestic abuse working for GDASS (Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service) is rolling out community training in identifying domestic abuse to rural communities in Gloucestershire, in an initiative sponsored by Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury District Councils.
Clare Joynes was working as a teacher and married to an investment banker when she came to realise that she was experiencing domestic abuse.
She said, “I was in disbelief that it was happening to me at first: I never imagined that someone like me – affluent, well-educated and confident – could be a victim of domestic abuse. By all outward appearances, we had a lovely life, but the reality was very different ”
Clare is now determined to raise the profile of domestic abuse and to help others escape violent and coercive relationships. As part of this initiative everyone from rural clergy, teachers, publicans, hairdressers and local councillors is invited to attend a short training to become Rural Domestic Abuse Champions. The aim is to improve their understanding of domestic abuse and ensure they are able to respond appropriately when victims confide in them.
She said, “We’re working to challenge common misconceptions and make sure that people are aware of the signs of domestic abuse. Many victims find it hard to understand what is happening to them and don’t identify it as domestic abuse; most are too isolated or frightened to seek support. As a result, very few victims of domestic abuse ever tell anyone what is happening to them or reach out for help.”
“If people are aware of the signs, they can, where it is safe and appropriate, open up the possibility of a conversation, let those who might be experiencing domestic abuse know that they are there for them, and signpost to further help.
The average length of time that people remain in an abusive relationship is 6 years (Women’s Aid: The Domestic Abuse Report, 2022) and rates of abuse are now thought to be higher and less reported in rural communities.
Clare said, “It was thought that domestic abuse didn’t exist in rural communities, due to low referral rates, approximately half the reporting rate of urban settings. There are many reasons that people might not come forward for help in a rural setting.
“There’s a massive additional impact to leaving your family home when you are living rurally. Often, moving out of the family home in a rural area means that there is no local property to move to and poor public transport links mean that children often have to move schools. Domestic abuse services are not easily accessible and it is also more likely that people will be physically isolated from their support networks.”
If you’re interested in taking part in this training or finding out more about becoming a Rural Domestic Abuse Champion, contact Clare on ku.oc1726385787.droc1726385787caera1726385787uqsne1726385787erg@s1726385787enyoJ1726385787.eral1726385787C1726385787
You might also want to take part in the national Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse training through the Safeguarding Training Portal https://safeguardingtraining.cofeportal.org or to attend the next in person event. View dates of all upcoming courses
If you’re unable to join the training, but still want to help, please do download, print and display this poster, particularly in private places like the inside of loo doors where people have time to read it and consider it.
Download the poster here -> Are you experiencing domestic abuse?
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