J9 scheme will help victims find safe house

VICTIMS of domestic violence will be able to enter safe houses in Holsworthy following the launch of a new scheme.

The J9 initiative was launched in the town by police last week to try and ensure the service reached victims in more isolated, hard to reach areas.

LAUNCH PARTY: The police launch Holsworthy's domestic violence J9 initiative at Bodmin Street Chapel tea rooms. Pictured are, from left: Jackie Blake, chair of North Devon Domestic Violence Forum, PCSO Beverley Harvey, Detective Inspector Berry, Mayor Liz Squire, PC Amanda Brown and Cllr Marion Perkin. Picture: Ian Snell 1002_188_001
LOGO: The J9 logo to be displayed by businesses supporting the initiative.

The scheme is named after Janine (J9) Mundy who was murdered by her husband in Camborne in 2003.

It has been rolled out in Cornwall, Torrington, and now Holsworthy.

Businesses in the town and some of the surrounding rural villages will display the pink heart J9 logo to show their involvement in the project.

Holsworthy police sergeant, Pennie Channing, said: "Victims will be able to go into those premises in the knowledge they can ask for help or just a safe place to make a phone call or obtain contact details for agencies who will be able to help them.

"The participating businesses are not expected to be counsellors or deal with the victim's problem – just to provide a safe place for a short period of time in a location where no one else would suspect why they were there.

"It is not always easy for victims to go to places like police stations or even doctors surgeries because the abusive partner may not allow them to."

Representatives from the fire service, ambulance trust, local councils, churches, businesses, Rotary, neighbourhood watch, schools, Women's Aid, and social services joined the Holsworthy police team and Northern Devon policing commander, superintendent Kevin Harris, Detective Inspector Andy Berry and domestic abuse officers Vanessa Billing and Adele Smale for the launch.

Presentations were given on domestic abuse from emotional to physical and sexual abuse and the difficulties victims face in breaking away from abusive partner.

Janine Mundy's mother thanked everyone who had offered their businesses as safe houses and for all the support offered in Holsworthy.

Superintendent Harris also thanked the residents and businesses for their support and expressed how important it was to support any initiative that might reduce domestic abuse and possibly save a life.