'Domestic abuse affects not just one person but the whole family'

That was the message from Andy Abrahams, Mansfield mayor, as Mansfield Council celebrated its Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, a UK benchmark in supporting survivors, after training its entire workforce to be more aware of the signs of abuse and how to support people.

But the council stresses it was “just the beginning of journey” as it recognised becoming “a beacon of good practice in its response to survivors of domestic abuse”.

Mr Abrahams told the launch event at the council’s Civic Centre: “When you put it in a personal context, you realise how powerful this journey is, what it might uncover and how we can help create change going forward.

“We have gone on a brave journey together, this has been an example of a fantastic partnership working. Domestic abuse affects not just one person but the whole family.

“You may think, what is the importance of this? We have got the accreditation and the recognition, which is fantastic. However, I think the real benefits are that we can help rebuild someone’s mental health, wellbeing and self-esteem – and that can be life-changing.

“I am proud of all our staff, everyone involved, and I look forward to our continuing learning journey.”

Claire Throssell, a domestic abuse survivor, Child First campaigner and Women’s Aid ambassador also spoke at the event,

She said: “Individually, we’re just one person fighting this, but in a cohesive framework with legislation behind it, enough is enough. We can stop domestic abuse in its tracks.

“So I would say to you all, anything you see that doesn’t look right, doesn’t feel right, isn’t right, don’t be afraid to report it because most of the time it’s not right.

“We can give them a better future, and we can give them a safer future; it's not too late for all the women, men and children out there in Nottinghamshire, Mansfield, and further afield suffering right now.”

When visiting the Civic Centre or spotting any front-line staff throughout Mansfield district, survivors of domestic abuse can now look out for ribbons and badges worn by council staff if they wish to access support.