North Devon Homes is proud to announce that its Head Office in Barnstaple is now officially recognised as a safe space for individuals experiencing abuse, following the successful completion of ‘J9’ domestic abuse awareness training by staff members.
J9 is a community focused domestic abuse awareness programme which aims to build a network of safe, discreet places within local communities where people can access help at the earliest possible moment. This initiative was created in memory of Janine Mundy, who tragically lost her life to domestic abuse while her estranged husband was on police bail. She often signed her messages ‘J9’, which inspired the name for the programme.
Jen Westacott, Community Services Manager, organised the training and said, “Several of our staff members have completed the domestic abuse awareness training which helps them to recognise, respond and refer anyone needing help. Our Head Office in Barnstaple is a ‘J9’ safe and discreet place where people can access information about support, use a telephone privately to contact specialist help and can speak to a trained member of our staff.”
They added, “This important initiative strengthens community support for anyone living within an abusive environment and is open to all members of the public, not only North Devon Homes customers.
Many survivors of domestic abuse say they struggled to find a safe moment or space to reach out. Coercive control often limits opportunities to ask for help. The J9 network exists to create more safe points in the community so people can get support at the earliest opportunity. By taking part and joining this network, North Devon Homes is helping create a wider community safety network across North Devon.
North Devon Homes encourages anyone who may need advice or support relating to domestic abuse to visit its Head Office, whether or not they are a customer. Their address is Westacott Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8TA.
