The largest ever campaign in Essex aimed at tackling domestic abuse launched in Chelmsford this morning (June 9).
Representatives from Essex Police, the county council and local authorities have all worked in partnership to create 'Standing Together', which aims to break the taboo and get people talking about domestic abuse.
It calls on everyone in the county to show their support by tweeting a picture of their feet alongside the hash tags #tweetyourfeet and #nottodomesticabuse.
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."
The campaign's launch also coincides with this year's World Cup, an event which is known to trigger an increase in incidents of domestic abuse.
A short film has also been released setting out the aims of the campaign.
Members of the county council Cabinet, and police have already tweeted picture of their feet to lend support.
However the council have admitted it is important to use the #tweetyourfeet hashtag alongside #notodomesticabuse to ensure pictures join others within the campaign.
Previously the term has been used by runners and, in some instances, foot fetishists - although the team behind the campaign have insisted that this is due to the fact nobody 'can own a hashtag'.
A spokesman added: "Prior to the launch we did research both hastags, however as I am sure you are aware on twitter, no one can own a hashtag, anyone over the world can tweet anything they like using any hashtag they like and no one has control of this.
"We also have no control of what has been tweeted previously. Whatever hashtag we choose would still be available for anyone to use.
"We are also asking people to mention in their tweets @essex_cc or @EssexPoliceUk and the web address www.essex.police.uk/standingtogether so that we can monitor what tweets are linked to our campaign.
"Should anyone search #tweetyourfeet and go through the photographs they will be able to see which photos are linked to our campaign due to this."
