RESIDENTS of Greater Manchester are being encouraged to become comfortable talking about domestic abuse with the launch of a new campaign under the’#SittingRightWithYou’ campaign via social media.

The campaign features imagery of a bright yellow sofa accompanied by challenging messages to challenge how the public perceive the definition of domestic abuse with the hopes of victims taking the first step in seeking help.

According to the campaign, one in three women and one in six men experience various forms of domestic abuse.

The ‘Sitting right with you’ campaign highlights the various forms of abuse in the form of challenging messages such as ‘she has control over my bank accounts’, and ‘I can go out with friends when he says it’s ok’, to encourage people to think and look differently about what makes a healthy relationship.

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families –tragically sometimes taking a life. With this campaign we want to empower people to take a hard look at their own or a loved one’s relationship and, if it doesn’t sit right with you, make that first step to get advice and support.”

The #SittingRightWithYou campaign comes under a larger operation run by Greater Manchester Police under the name of ‘Operation Scratch’, which has lead to the arrest of over 700 domestic abusers in over four weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable at GMP, Debbie Ford, said: “We work hard raising awareness, challenging people’s perceptions of domestic abuse, and encouraging people to talk about it, with the hopes of ending the fear of domestic abuse.

“Over the last month we have renewed our commitment to tackling domestic abuse – a month of action aimed at finding people wanted for domestic abuse offences, educating people on coercive and controlling behaviour and encouraging people to come forward.”

The yellow sofa will be travelling around Greater Manchester over the next few weeks, encouraging local people to talk about domestic abuse and get help and support if they need it.

Follow the conversation at #SittingRightWithYou or visit www.sittingrightwithyou.co.uk to find out more.

If you or someone you care about has been affected by domestic abuse, contact the Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline on 0161 636 7525.

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