New campaign launched in South Yorkshire urges victims of domestic abuse to seek help

A new campaign has been launched in South Yorkshire urging victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
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Using real life stories of survivors from South Yorkshire, a series of animated YouTube videos have been created to highlight abuse they suffered at the hands of those they loved and trusted and urging others suffering to seek help.

A woman abused by her partner, honour based violence, a young person’s experience of growing up in an abusive household and a gay man’s abuse from his family all feature in the videos.

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Graham Jones, head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, which has launched the campaign, said: “This campaign is really aimed at those people that are experiencing abuse in their homes from partners and family members. This can be both emotional abuse and physical abuse. We are urging them to ask for help.

A new campaign has been launched in South Yorkshire to help the victims of domestic abuseA new campaign has been launched in South Yorkshire to help the victims of domestic abuse
A new campaign has been launched in South Yorkshire to help the victims of domestic abuse

“There are support services here in South Yorkshire that will support them out of the abuse in a way that works for them.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The police are here to listen. When a person is ready to leave their abuser, the police can help in many ways. Police officers have the powers to prosecute, stop an offender contacting the victim and can also provide help such as forensic marking that can place a perpetrator at a location or prove that they have been in close contact.

“I would like to thank all of the brave people that have put their stories forward to help us produce this campaign.”

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One woman from Doncaster, who narrated her own story on the video featuring her abuse, said: “I really wanted to get involved in this campaign to highlight to others that they are not alone.

“I suffered for 12 years before I sought help and it took another six years to finally leave the abuse behind. Nobody should have to live a life of fear and harm.

“If anyone is watching these stories and can relate to what is happening, please ask for help and seek support. It really will change your life.”