Today is the day that Notts’ says no to domestic abuse. Local Government Correspondent Delia Monk asks Notts’ men to take a stand...

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MAUREEN Donnelly said it took her a long time to pluck up the courage to leave her partner, despite the physical abuse.

But this Valentine's Day she is urging other women to be brave and walk away from their relationships if they are violent.

"If a guy lifts as much as a little finger on you – get out," she said.

Today the Post launches a campaign which asks Notts' men to take a stand and sign the White Ribbon pledge – to not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

We aim to get at least 10,000 pledges in the county by next Valentine's Day, which would almost triple the number of national pledges.

It follows news that there have been domestic homicide reviews into five possible domestic violence deaths over the last 10 months in Nottinghamshire.

Ms Donnelly, who is supporting the Man Enough Campaign, said the scars she has been left behind are not just physical.

"I want to try and understand it," she said. "Am I a bad person? Is that why he did it to me? I can't understand it.

"It's knocked my confidence a lot, I'm unsure when I go out."

Duncan Maguire, 48, of Canal Side in Beeston, received a six month supervision order on January 4 at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

She said: "He'd say I'm sorry, I love you, I don't know what happened. He said I won't do it again."

Gail Hdili was left blinded in one eye after she was attacked by her estranged husband Adel Hdili at a bus-stop in Bulwell in January 2009.

She agreed to take part in a short film about domestic violence, which is now being shown to all police staff.

"I decided to take part in the film because I wanted to make a difference," she said.

Speaking in that film, she said: "I don't think we will ever be the same again.

"It's always in the back of my mind that he could send someone to get me and I worry about the future when he's released.

"A child shouldn't have to live with that fear."

But others have not survived. The story which has perhaps received the most media attention is the tragic case of 21-year-old Casey Brittle who was kicked, stamped and punched to death by her partner in front of her two-year-old daughter.

Nottingham Forest has already backed the campaign. Club captain Luke Chambers said: "When I read about the murder of Casey Brittle I just couldn't believe it.

"That a man could inflict 27 injuries on the woman he was supposed to love and beat her to death in front of their two-year-old child is horrific. And she is not alone. If you think it's wrong then sign the pledge, I have."

Nottingham city councillor Alex Norris, 28, has also signed the pledge.

He said: "As a young man I want to stand up and say this isn't acceptable in this city.

"We're hoping this campaign will support cultural change as well as change to legislation and awareness."

The Post's Campaign is being run in partnership with Women's Aid Integrated Services, the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership which includes the city council, Nottingham City Homes, Nottingham Forest, Notts Domestic Violence Forum and the Safer Notts Board, which includes Notts Police, the county council and all district and borough councils.

Chris Cutland, chief executive of Nottingham Women's Aid Integrated Services, said: "The national statistics for women affected by domestic abuse are shocking, with one in four women experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime and two women being killed each week by a male partner or former partner."

To pledge online go to www.man-enough.org or do it by text message – text 'man' or 'man enough' to 81400.

If you or your family have been affected by domestic violence in any way then please contact us. Email Delia Monk on delia.monk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk or call 0115 948 2000. Follow the campaign on Twitter @ManEnoughNotts.

If you're experiencing domestic violence and need help and support contact Nottingham's Women's Aid then call 0808 800 0340 or visit http://www.wais.org.uk