Domestic abuse is being targeted by Essex Police and Essex County Council in a joint campaign launched today.

Standing Together hopes to reduce the number of people in abusive relationships in the county.

Both authorities have prioritised the crime. In Essex last year 78% of domestic incidents reported to the police were from women, while the remaining 22% were from men.

Domestic abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual or financial and can affect anyone.

County Hall and the police are working with borough councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and charities and women’s refuges to all say no to domestic abuse.

People are being asked to “tweet their feet” and upload a photo of their feet to Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags #tweetyourfeet and #notodomesticabuse to show they believe domestic abuse is wrong.

It is hoped the campaign will show the positive difference leaving an abusive relationship can lead to.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “This campaign takes a completely new approach to domestic abuse communications.

“We have listened to men and women who have survived an abusive relationship and created content that is engaging, uplifting and positive. Generally, whenever you see domestic abuse campaigns, they are full of doom and gloom – women with black eyes, with their heads in their hands, looking depressed.

“This campaign is about empowerment. It’s about showing that there is life after domestic abuse and that both men and women can be empowered to leave an abusive situation, change their lives and move forward.

“Lots of people generally see domestic abuse campaigns and think to themselves ‘What’s that got to do with me? I’m not being abused’. However, this campaign gives everyone the chance to stand together against domestic abuse and say that it is wrong.”

Dick Madden, county councillor for children and families, added: “This campaign aims to raise awareness of a subject that is often seen as taboo, people don’t talk about it and we want to get people talking. We are encouraging the whole community to get involved and stand with us against this crime.

“Domestic abuse is wrong and ruins lives, working with Essex Police we are committed to helping victims and reducing incidents.”

For more information on the campaign or advice and guidance visit the Essex Police campaign site.

To report domestic abuse to Essex Police call 101, or 999 in an emergency.