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.”