GDASS campaign reaches more than 1,200 Gloucestershire toilets

Last month, Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) launched their ‘Flushing Away the Myths about domestic abuse’ campaign to challenge common misconceptions about domestic abuse and promote their services.

Since then, more than 1,200 posters tackling one of the most enduring myths about domestic abuse have been placed in bathrooms across Gloucestershire. The messaging on the poster explains some of the complex reasons why people stay in abusive relationships and signposts toward further information and where to find help.

A huge variety of organisations have got behind the campaign including Gloucestershire Constabulary, GE Aviation, Cheltenham Football Club, Gloucestershire County Council as well as pubs and gyms across the county.

Tessa Davies, GDASS Service Manager said: “Just a few weeks ago we launched an innovative campaign to help tackle the misconceptions around domestic abuse. We have been blown away by the support for the campaign with local employers, sports clubs, local authorities, and others requesting our posters and spreading the message on social media.

“It is vital that we continue to challenge the myths around domestic abuse because they aren’t just unhelpful, they could be dangerous if they delay or even prevent someone from reaching out for help.”

The locations of the posters were chosen because for someone experiencing domestic abuse going to the toilet might be one of the few occasions when they can check their phone without being monitored. The posters contain a QR code which links to information and support on the GDASS website.

GDASS is managed by GreenSquareAccord and is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council, with support from the county’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

GDASS provides support to women and men aged 16+ who are victims of domestic abuse.

​​​​More information on GDASS’ ‘Flushing away the myths’ campaign can be found here.