Thanet’s Oasis Domestic Abuse Service has launched a ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt – for anyone’ campaign to encourage people to raise awareness and signpost those in need to safety.
The campaign comes on the heels of the Banksy Valentine’s Day Mascara mural in Margate which shone a spotlight on the issue of domestic abuse and will have part of the proceeds from its sale donated to the Oasis service.
A spokesperson for Oasis said: “We’re aiming to inspire action in our communities, by encouraging people to download and put up our new ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt’ poster and share our dedicated social media post on their channels.
“We’re hoping that as many people as possible take these simple actions which can make such a difference for survivors in East Kent.”
In 2020/21 Oasis supported nearly 800 people across Kent and Medway, including 622 adults and 163 children.
As a leader of domestic abuse service development and impact measurement in Kent and Medway, Oasis has more than 15 grants and contracts, and works with commissioning authorities in both areas. As well as refuge and safe accommodation services, they provide group programmes, counselling, mentoring, and training for professionals.
The charity which will receive ‘a significant, six-figure sum’ from the sale of the Banksy art piece to be used for its vital work.
Spotlight
Launching the campaign on its website, the charity says: “Banksy’s Valentine’s Day artwork in Margate threw Oasis and other vital services supporting those affected by domestic abuse into the spotlight.
“The artwork has inspired many conversations about its subject matter. At Oasis, we believe this mural has so many layers of meaning and it is not possible to reduce it to a simplified form or single narrative. Domestic abuse is complex.
“What we know is that Banksy has created a much-needed moment to raise our voices, to raise awareness and to spread the word that survivors need our support.
“We are launching our new ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt – for anyone’ campaign to inspire more action. Oasis supports any victim of domestic abuse, no matter who you are. Everyone deserves to live a life safe from harm and everything we do gives survivors tailored support to help them take back control of their life, heal, find their voice and build the future they want and deserve.”
Find the campaign page and download the posters at:
https://www.oasisdaservice.org/the-oasis-blog/love-shouldnt-hurt
Get help
Call Oasis’s helpline 0800 917 9948 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am – 4.30pm) or or the 24/7 national helpline on 0808 2000 247
In an emergency always call 999
