CHARITIES, hair salons, a solicitors' firm, a taxi company and a union are among organisations backing the Nottingham Post's domestic violence campaign this month.
The Man Enough campaign was launched after seven domestic violence deaths in Notts over the past two years.
It aims to raise awareness of the help that is out there – and we have set the ambitious target of getting 10,000 people in the county to sign the international White Ribbon pledge, promising not to commit, condone or stand by violence against women and girls.
Today, we are launching the Man Enough workplace challenge – asking businesses across the county to get as many sign-ups as possible between now and Christmas, in a bid to get the message to a wide audience.
So far, 13 charities have accepted the challenge at the Voluntary Action Centre in Mansfield Road, led by the Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS), and so have the GMB union, CloudCars eco-taxi firm and solicitors Bhatia Best, as well as independent hair salons Blade Barbers, in Westdale Lane, Mapperley, and Gooseberry Salon, in Woodborough Road, Mapperley.
All have been given information packs with support and advice for customers to read as well as a sheet for people to sign to make their white ribbon pledge.
David Butler, co-owner of the Gooseberry salon, said he would be encouraging customers to sign the pledge against domestic violence.
He said: "Things like this get missed. It's an important thing and it's a big one around this time of year because families spend a lot of time with each other.
"It should be a happy time at Christmas but some people are dreading it."
Geoff Savory, who runs Blade Barbers, in Mapperley, said that in his role as a barber, he spent time talking to a lot of customers who he was sure would get on board.
"I listen to and talk with different types of men from all backgrounds – small children all the way to men who are in their 90s on a daily basis who've got different views of the world," he said.
With a picture of local legend Carl Froch – who is also backing the campaign – on his wall, Geoff is confident he will get people talking about the campaign and understanding more about domestic violence.
Lisa Kaydoo, at Cloud Cars, based at Clarendon Chambers in the city, said drivers would talk to customers about the campaign on taxi journeys.
A victim of domestic violence herself, she said: "It's a passion for me and we're the type of company that's setting a precedent for taxi safety in the city.
"All our drivers are enhanced CRB checked – if there's violence of any kind, whether it's against a man, woman or child, the driver is not considered.
"I feel for these women and men so much. They go through it daily and it's a horrific thing to go through. It needs to be stopped."
Jo Dean, external services director of Nottingham CVS, said: "We are is keen to support the Man Enough Notts campaign and we will be asking our staff, volunteers, tenants and visitors to sign the pledge. Domestic violence is never acceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people whose lives are affected by violence, and we will never ignore or condone it. We will also be encouraging all of Nottingham's charities to join us in supporting the campaign."
Man Enough is being run with Women's Aid, Notts Domestic Violence Forum, Notts Police and is supported by every council in the county.
Sign the pledge at www.man- enough.org or text Man Enough to 81400. Women who need help can call Nottingham's Women's Aid on 0808 800 0340 or visit www.wais.org.uk
Have you been affected by domestic violence and would like to tell your story? Do you want to get involved in the workplace challenge? Call Delia on 0115 905 1959.
