Salford Survivor Project joins worldwide campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse

A Salford-based charity is participating in a worldwide campaign to raise awareness of the different forms of domestic abuse. 

The Survivor Project, located in Eccles, is taking part in the UN-led initiative to tackle violence against women and girls by drawing attention to signs of abuse in relationships, called the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The international campaign, held annually from 25 November to 10 December, focuses on raising awareness of violence against women and girls and promoting safer communities.

This year, several charities across Salford groups are using the 16 days to draw attention to the challenges women in abusive relationships face, including controlling behaviour, financial pressure, digital abuse, isolation and barriers to seeking help.

Founded by Jane Gregory in 2017, The Salford Survivor Project has spent eight years supporting men and women who have lived through domestic abuse.

“It’s just about getting people to speak about it, recognising it, seeing what’s going on,” Jane said.

“People don’t understand the different types of abuse; they may minimise it, they may not recognise it within their own relationship, but can see it in other people’s relationships. We hope to get out there to make positive changes.” She added,

During the 16-day campaign, The Survivor Project has focused on coercive control, physical abuse, financial abuse and sexual abuse, using social media posts and videos to reach local communities.

While the charity primarily supports women, it also provides help for men, an often-overlooked group in abuse support.

Campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism play a vital role in raising awareness and helping people to recognise the discreet signs of abuse.

“It’s just about drip feeding so that someone gets a light bulb moment and says, ‘Oh, I didn’t realise that was abuse,'” Jane said.

The Survivor Project continues to call for greater awareness and support across Salford, ensuring survivors know they are not alone.

More information about The Survivor Project here.