Nottingham charity Equation is delivering the ‘J9 Safe Space’ domestic violence awareness training for free to businesses and organisations across the city – in a bid to create more safe spaces.
The J9 pink heart logo – which can be found displayed across windows and on posters – lets people know they are in a safe space with people who they can talk to about domestic violence.
Funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, the training is being delivered for free to all institutions who sign up. According to the charity, the local response has been huge.
“So far, we have trained over 300 ambassadors and created just over 20 Safe Spaces”, says Nikki Fish, the charity’s training coordinator.
“We are getting more and more requests for trainings now, so it is really starting to pick up.”
Healthcare institutions, housing and employment services and even educational institutions such as Nottingham Trent University have become safe spaces since training sessions started being offered in 2024.
The initiative was first introduced to Nottinghamshire by Nicky Brindley, who has been working with the domestic abuse charity Tara’s Angels.
She brought J9 training into Nottingham job centres and even introduced it to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2023.
The training consists of a 90-minute session, which can be delivered face-to-face or online. It covers basic signs to look out for and practical advice on how a business can become an official safe space.
The different ways in which survivors can be supported and signposted to services and charities is also taught in the training.
Under the scheme, if more than 50% of staff and at least one senior member have attended the training and the CEO or business owner has agreed to becoming a Safe Space, they receive a lanyard and a badge signalling their participation in the scheme.
Additionally, posters are provided to be hung up in discreet locations like toilets or changing rooms. Domestic abuse survivors can then ask for ‘J9’ and the person they are speaking to will reassure them and take them to a safe private space.
There, they will receive free information resources and safety advice, as well as guidance on which charities to speak to.
The scheme was created in memory of Janine Mundy, who was killed by her estranged husband in 2003 in Cornwall while he was on police bail for offences against her.
Her family created the J9 scheme with Devon and Cornwall Police – inspired by the ‘J9’ signature Janine used to sign off her texts.
In the future, Nikki hopes that the J9 scheme will keep expanding. “It should be as easy as possible to receive advice and professional support.
“Perpetrators often let their victims only go to one place like a dentist – so that space should be a safe space where they can receive support.”
She adds that 70% of survivors will disclose to a Community support service, but not to the police. If organisations want to book a session, they can do so by emailing training@equation.org.uk.
Help for domestic abuse survivors can be found here:
Local domestic abuse services for women
Juno Women’s Aid support women, teenagers and children living in Nottingham city or Nottinghamshire. They run the main 24-hour domestic abuse helpline.
- Call free and in confidence on 0808 800 0340
- Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Local domestic abuse services for males & LGBTQ+ individuals
Equation supports males living in Nottingham city (aged 16+) or Nottinghamshire (aged 18+), and LGBTQ+ people of any gender or sexual identity aged 16 and over in Nottingham city or Nottinghamshire. They run the main domestic abuse helpline.
- Email us at helpline@equation.org.uk or call 0800 9956 999
- Freephone available Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays (7.30pm on Wednesdays) – 24/7 confidential answerphone available outside these times.
Featured Image: J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative UK