A PROJECT aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse within the community - and the support available to victims of such abuse - is coming to the Micklefield area.

The initiative has been organised by Mickllefield Neighbourhood Action Group, who will be running two events to link in with international day of action for violence against women - White Ribbon Day.

They will take the form of informal drop in sessions in which visitors will be able to hear from survivors of domestic abuse and meet agencies who offer support.

Sgt Mat Lloyd, from the Micklefield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "I am pleased at some of the interest that this project has raised. Police officers often have to look into what goes on behind closed doors and domestic abuse takes many forms. Both men and women can be victims and perpetrators, and it affects people of all ages, cultural and financial backgrounds."

The events will be held next Wednesday, November 26, from 1pm-3pm at Our Place Community Hub in Gayhurst Road and on Thursday, November 27, from 9am-11am at St Peter’s Church, Micklefield Road.

NAG member, Andrea Baughan, who has been coordinating the campaign, said: "There is lots of support out there for people who are experiencing domestic abuse, we hope that this campaign will equip people with the information they need to either get support for themselves or for a friend or family member."

Also available at the events will be free refreshments and homemade cake. There will also be the opportunity to win a Christmas photo studio session with local photographer Danni-Jade Newton, who is supporting the campaign.

Cllr Matt Knight, district councillor for Micklefield and Vice Chair of the NAG added: "I am very pleased to see a Neighbourhood Action Group go beyond the usual issues of parking and speeding motorists. Domestic abuse is a community issue, it impacts the whole community in many ways and it is for the whole community to work together to tackle it."

If you would like to talk to someone about any abuse that you have suffered or witnessed, there are a number of organisations who can help, including Wycombe Women’s Aid on 01494 461367 or the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.