An innovative project which raises awareness of domestic abuse and helps victims escape from their abusers was launched in Holsworthy last week.

Called the 'J9' project it originated in Cornwall after Janine Mundy, the mother of two boys, was murdered by her husband in 2003. Wanting to prevent this happening again, with the help of the Police Crime Support Department, her family made a video showing the impact of domestic murder. It included a photo of Janine's headstone which has J9 carved on it, and in 2008 the police created a logo for the project: a pink heart with J9 printed on it.

Last Tuesday evening (February 24) officers of Devon and Cornwall Police, local councillors, clergy and representatives of local businesses, who are supporting the project, gathered in Bodmin St Methodist schoolroom for the official launch.

They included Superintendent Kevin Harris, Police Area Commander for Northern Devon,

Detective Inspector Andy Berry, Head of the Family Protection Unit for Northern Devon, Adele Smale, Domestic Violence Officer and Vanessa Billing, a retired Detective Constable.

She gave a presentation on how to spot signs of abuse and explained how hard it was for victims to break away and get help.

Due to its rural nature, Holsworthy has been chosen as the third locality in Devon and Cornwall Police area for the launch of the programme.

Thanks to hard work by PC Amanda Brown and PCSO Beverley Harvey, 15 or more local businesses have already agreed to sponsor the scheme and support it by displaying a J9 sticker on their premises indicating a safe area where victims can make a phone call and receive the support they need.

A letter was read from Janine's mother, Mrs Barrett, thanking them for becoming involved. Supt Harris said the project had already had positive results in North Devon and expressed his appreciation of those who were coming on board in Holsworthy.

Sgt Pennie Channing said that if any other

businesses would like to become involved she would be pleased to hear from them at Holsworthy police station.