A new campaign that could help people save their friends from domestic abuse is being trialled in Mansfield.

Residents will be shown how to recognise if someone close to them is experiencing abuse, and to help their friends reach expert support.

Nottingham-based charity Equation is trialling the project in the Oak Tree Lane Estate area through a social media and print campaign, as well as a promotional giveaway event. It hopes the initiative will increase the number of women accessing the local 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline (0808 800 0340), which receives up to 14,000 calls each year.

Chloe Cheeseman, Equation campaigns co-ordinator, said: “Many people experiencing domestic abuse find it difficult to report what is happening to professional support agencies. Their friends and family can make a huge difference.

“Equation’s campaign shows what abuse can look like to a friend from the outside. By promoting the simple steps involved in responding helpfully to friends or family who are being hurt by a partner, we hope to build the tools and confidence of everyone to be an upstander against domestic abuse.”

Call the 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 0340 to find out how you can help or go to http://equation.org.uk/help-someone