NIDAS and Norwich City Work Together to Support Male Victims of Domestic Abuse
Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) and
Norwich City Football Club have teamed up to raise awareness of the support
that is available to men experiencing domestic abuse.
Before the Canaries’ last home match of the season against
Cardiff City, NIDAS had a stand outside the ground displaying information about
the service and engaging with men about domestic abuse.
It was well received by fans, with many stopping to talk
NIDAS’ Male IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) or pick up information
leaflets detailing the support the service provides.
Domestic abuse is often a taboo subject for men, which can
add barriers to accessing support or confiding in friends, family, or
colleagues for support.
NIDAS and Norwich City are aiming to break down some of
these barriers and encourage conversations around this important issue, helping
men experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk to access the support that they
need.
It is hoped that this is the start of a long-term
collaboration to raise awareness of domestic abuse and increase the visibility
of the support that is available to those experiencing it.
NIDAS was created by the Office of the Police and Crime
Commissioner for Norfolk to end the postcode lottery of medium and high-risk
domestic abuse support in Norfolk, ensuring that all residents in the county
are able to access services, regardless of where they live or who they
are.
Delivered in partnership with Leeway Domestic Violence and
Abuse Service, The Daisy Programme and Safe Partnerships (for target hardening
of high-risk clients), the service provides direct support for adults (16+) of
all genders.
The service also offers dedicated support for children and
young people (if their parent or care giver has been in service) along with
coordinated multi-agency support and access to specialist court IDVAs based in
the county’s Magistrates courts, who offer support to victims or survivors in
domestic abuse proceedings.
NIDAS IDVAs work directly with victims or survivors to
develop personalised safety and support plans to help people to move on from
abuse with increased confidence and wellbeing, towards long-term positive
outcomes.
Charlotte Richardson, NIDAS Service Manager,
said: “We are delighted to work with Norwich City Football Club
to tackle this important issue. The response we got from fans was positive and
it was great to have the opportunity to raise awareness of the important work
that we do, as well as encouraging men to open up about domestic abuse.
“We hope to continue to work closely with the club over the
coming months, breaking down the barriers that prevent men from accessing
support and generally encouraging conversations around domestic abuse.”
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah
Taylor, said: “It’s important to recognise that domestic
abuse is not limited by class, race and gender – this can affect anyone from
any walk of life and there should be no shame for seeking help and support. The
NIDAS male Independent Domestic Violence Advisor is a crucial role to encourage
and improve communication with male victims.
“We know that one in seven men suffer from domestic abuse
with catastrophic outcomes affecting their mental health, confidence and
wellbeing. It’s essential for everyone to be vigilant and help signpost family
and friends in need of this service.”
Norwich City FC: “It
was fantastic to have NIDAS support our Healthy Fans project at Carrow Road on
the final game of last season. The day had a great feel to it and NIDAS’s
involvement gave our fans the opportunity to have personal, sensitive
conversations with the right person if needed. As we have a high foot fall of
fans walking around the stadium before the match, just having NIDAS’s presence
visible would have been enough for fans to take note of the service if ever
needed. We have NIDAS posters and leaflets available in our matchday support
hub for future signposting.”