New animations explore issues around domestic abuse

A new series of animations have been produced to raise awareness of domestic abuse and signpost to areas of local help and support.

The three short films have been produced by Linnell Communications in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Lancashire Police, local substance misuse provider CGL, domestic abuse specialist support service Changing Lives and other local organisations.

The characters depicted in the animations are voiced by local people from Blackburn with Darwen who felt strongly about sharing their experiences to urge others in a similar situation to access the help that is available locally.

They are aimed at those in three key stages of life: the young, the working/middle aged and older people.

Titled ‘Shouting Outside Windows’, ‘A Big Can of Worms’ and ‘Getting to be Me’ the three short films depict a range of characters talking about their experiences of domestic abuse, where alcohol or drugs are sometimes the catalyst.

The animations were launched at a partner meeting of the Domestic Abuse Strategic Board on Friday, December 16. They will be shared online and via social media using the hashtags #startwellanimation #livewellanimation #agewellanimation

Councillor Mustafa Desai, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Whilst this issue is clearly not specific to Blackburn with Darwen, we feel it is important to take a proactive approach and raise awareness of domestic abuse and signpost people to areas of valuable help and support. The fact the short films are voiced by local people who felt strongly enough to share their experiences give them extra weight and hopefully they may resonate with others in a similar situation.”

Councillor Arshid Mahmood, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhood and Prevention Services, said: “Our aim with the animations is to protect vulnerable people and support victims of crime. Through the work that has gone into their production we have been able to gain an even greater understanding of local and broader issues around domestic abuse, alcohol and violence and I am sure they will be a powerful tool to signpost people to areas of local help and support.”

View the first animation here, the animation aimed at working-aged people here and the older people’s animation here. 

If you want to talk to someone about any of the issues raised in the films there are services in Blackburn with Darwen that will help you with any issue related to domestic abuse and domestic violence.

Contact Changing Lives on (01254) 311181 or at changing-lives.org.uk or Wish Centre on (01254) 260465 or at bddwa.org.uk

If you want to speak to somebody from the drug and alcohol support service call (01254) 495014 or search for ‘Blackburn’ at www.changegrowlive.org