BUSINESSES in Rochford are being trained to become access points which are designated to help victims of domestic abuse. 
The latest round of training has seen 50 individuals from businesses and organisations receive training about what help is available for victims of abuse, provided by Castle Point and Rochford Community Safety partnership. 
The individuals, from the Rochford district, were trained as part of J9, a campaign which aims to turn businesses into access points where victims can be signposted to get the help they need.
Each participant holds information about the support available for domestic abuse victims, trains one or more employees in awareness of the issue, and makes a phone available to those in need. 
These ‘access points’ can then be identified by the distinctive, heart-shaped ‘J9 logo’ displayed in their window.
One of the first participants in the Rochford District to sign up to this scheme was Wells Legal, a firm of solicitors in Hockley.
Andrew Wells, the senior partner of Wells Legal said: “Once we were introduced to this superb idea, we jumped at the chance to provide a safe space for victims of domestic violence.
“This initiative then sits proudly alongside our other community support endeavours, such as Keep Safe which seeks to provide the same support as J9 but in a non-domestic violence context. It really doesn’t cost anything and we urge other businesses to quickly come on board so that as much coverage as possible is available to the vulnerable in our locality.” 
Training has also been provided to those who have contact with people in the community such as Family Mosaic, health visitors, and midwives.
Chairman of Rochford District Council, Carole Weston, said: “The beauty of J9 is in its simplicity – it can transform any local hairdresser, convenience store, or other business, into a ‘first port-of-call’ for those in need of help and support.
“Too often, domestic abuse happens behind closed doors and victims feel they have nowhere to turn in their hour of need. Hopefully, this will demonstrate that they are not alone, and they have the support of the wider community.”
The J9 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 and used to sign her text messages J9 hence the name of this initiative.
As well as promoting J9, the council is taking part in the #16Daysof Action against domestic abuse campaign.
If you are interested in becoming a J9 contact point please email communitysafety@rochford.gov.uk