Free training in spotting domestic abuse

Chelmsford residents are being offered free online J9 training to raise awareness and to help victims of domestic abuse.

The J9 Domestic Abuse initiative is named in memory of Janine Mundy, who was killed by her estranged husband in June 2003 while he was on police bail. Janine was the mother of two young boys. The initiative was started by her family and the local police in Cambourne, Cornwall, where she lived.

It has now been 18 years since Janine Mundy was tragically murdered by her estranged husband in front of their two young children. Two women a week still lose their lives due to domestic abuse in the UK, a number which has soared during the pandemic. The J9 training was created in Janine’s memory to raise awareness of domestic abuse and assist victims to access help and support.

Janine used to sign her text messages J9, hence the name of this initiative.

Where the J9 logo is displayed in a premises, it alerts victims that staff there can help them to access a safe place where they can seek information and the use of a telephone.

J9 training is open to anyone working in the community. It’s a free, online hour-long session that aims to equip attendees with the tools to recognise abuse, respond appropriately and help people access the support they need. 

Following the training, attendees will get access to a J9 information pack that they can make available to anyone who might need it. The pack contains important information on local and national support services. 

Abusers isolate their victims, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to seek help. By empowering members of the community to know how to react, we can ensure that more people have access to the help they need.

If you would like to attend a J9 training session, or would like more information, please email j9community@outlook.com.