Sanctuary offered for domestic abuse victims at well-known Barnstaple HQ

The head office of North Devon Homes in Barnstaple has been officially recognised as a ‘J9’ safe space for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

Staff at the Whiddon Valley offices in Westacott Road have successfully completed J9 domestic abuse awareness training.

Anyone in need can use the building as a discreet safe space, make use of the telephone to call for specialist help or speak to one of the trained staff members for support and information on where they can get help.

J9 is a nationwide network of safe spaces set up 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.

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Jen Westacott, community services manager at North Devon Homes, who organised the training, 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.

“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 by abusive partners who monitor their every move 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 hopes to help create a wider community safety network across North Devon.

Anyone who may need advice or support relating to domestic abuse is welcome to visit the North Devon Homes head office at Westacott Road, Barnstaple, EX32 8TA.

You can also find out more about support to escape from domestic abuse by visiting the North Devon Against Domestic Abuse website at https://ndada.co.uk or call 0808 2816161.