A new campaign focussed on questions asked by domestic abuse victims is being launched, aimed at raising awareness and helping people to get support.
Peterborough City Council is today launching the ‘Is It Normal’ campaign, which is inspired by true stories from domestic abuse victims.
Many abuse survivors use online platforms such as google and ai seeking answers to help clarify their thoughts during times of confusion. This might be asking 'is it normal to be told to be quiet when out in public' to in more severe cases 'is it normal they lock me in the house without a way of escape?'
As part of the campaign, the council will be promoting a series of messages and videos via its social media channels, helping people recognise potentially abusive behaviours earlier by:
- Reflecting the exact questions victims commonly ask search engines
- Normalising help‑seeking behaviour
- Providing clear, immediate routes to support
- Reaching groups who often minimise, hide, or misinterpret abusive behaviours as ‘normal’ or ‘cultural’.
Councillor Zameer Ali, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Safety, said: “I welcome the launch of this vital campaign, which will help people experiencing or witnessing abuse and don’t know what to do or how to get help.
“The campaign’s key message will be that if people are searching for answers to questions then they already know that something is wrong and deserve help. I would urge everyone to please share these strong and supportive messages so that we can reach as many people as possible.”
The campaign will also help to highlight that abuse isn’t always physical, that asking quietly is still asking and urging people to trust small warning signs, as well as emphasising that what feels ‘normal’ might not be healthy.
It will be the council's first domestic abuse campaign to target specific demographics, with messages through social media and other forms of advertising aimed at reaching people of all ages, genders and backgrounds who may experience or witness domestic abuse. This includes adults and children, as well as adolescents facing sexual pressure, older adults aged 70 and above, cultural and religious communities and LGBTQIA+ and SEND communities.
The council will also be distributing posters for schools, GP surgeries, libraries, community centres, workplaces and has launched a website page where people can find out more information and get support.