Doncaster domestic abuse victim shares her harrowing 12 year story

Using animation to tell the stories of eight South Yorkshire residents, the campaignc highlights the abuse some people experience from those that they love and trust.

Each two-minute animation takes the viewer on a journey of the survivor’s experiences, explaining how things started well, but then became abusive. They then go on to explain how by accessing support, these survivors are now living a happy life away from harm.

The campaign includes eight animations that cover domestic abuse stories of male to female abuse, female to male abuse, a gay man’s story of abuse from his family,

an example of economic/financial abuse, an honour based abuse scenario that also features forced marriage, a young person’s story growing up in an abusive family

and one animation explaining what domestic abuse is and how it can happen to anyone.

Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit 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.

“There are support services here in South Yorkshire that will support them out of the abuse in a way that works for them. The animations tell the real life stories of

people living in South Yorkshire.”

A suite of posters, leaflets and marketing materials support the campaign. These will be issued digitally to community groups working within South Yorkshire. All of

the support services listed are located in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit have been set up to work to prevent violence. One

of these preventative measures is to limit young people being exposed to domestic abuse in their homes.

“We want to reach people who are experiencing similar harm to that shown in the animations and help them access support to make their lives better. 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.”

The stories are the real life experiences of people living in South Yorkshire. Volunteers have narrated the animations. One woman from Doncaster has narrated her own story.

Gwen 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.”

The campaign is a collaborative piece of work with the four local authorities and police. All of the animations can be found on the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit website https://southyorkshireviolencereductionunit.com/

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.