We’re pleased to announce that Min Grob will be having her head shaved in support of Leeway, as soon as she has reached her fundraising target of £2000.Â
Min is a Leeway volunteer and keen supporter of the work we do for those affected by domestic abuse in the local community. She’s pledged to shave her head if she reaches her fundraising target of £2,000. All the money raised will be donated to Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services.
We asked Min what inspired her to go #BaldForChange. She said:
“I see how busy the amazing staff here at Leeway are: they are rushed off their feet and having to perform miracles. The idea of a head shave came to me as, to ‘borrow’ a famous phrase, Leeway are worth it!â€Â
Min’s an inspirational lady. She’s the founder of the Conference on Coercive Control, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of this type of domestic abuse. Coercive control is one way in which domestic abuse gets played out: the abuser constantly uses psychological and emotional ‘mind games’ – leading to high levels of anxiety and fear and a growing dependency on the abuser.
Coercive control can happen without any experience of physical abuse. This can make it difficult for people to recognise that what they’re experiencing is still domestic abuse. Leaving this type of relationship is extremely difficult and many people will need specialist support and a safety plan in order to rebuild their lives. We know that coercive control can continue for some time after a relationship ends and this is why getting support is so important. Coercive control is a crime and Min’s work in raising awareness helps make sure that coercive behaviours are recognised by authorities who can prosecute abusers.Â
Leeway’s services support people living in Norfolk and Waveney to live free of domestic abuse. We’ve had a 27% increase in referrals to our services this year. Fundraising efforts like Min’s help us to respond to the increasing demand for our services.
Please support Min as she goes #BaldForChange and donate to her fundraising page. Min wants as much money to be raised as possible. When we asked if she had anything else she wanted to say for this article, she replied:
“Yes! ‘Show me the Money!’â€
Min has made a short video about her inspiration for the head shave event:
We are also looking for someone to supply Min with some lovely headscarves or wigs to wear whilst her hair grows back. Â If you can help out, or know someone else who can, please contact Leeway at fundraising@leewaynwa.org.uk.
Leeway run business breakfasts and training sessions that are aimed at increasing the awareness of the effects of domestic abuse (including coercive control).  For information on our training, contact us on 0300 561 0077 or email admin@leewaynwa.org.uk.
If you are being affected by coercive control or any other kind of domestic abuse, you can call our free confidential 24-hour helpline on 0300 561 0077. All calls are treated in the strictest confidentiality.
If you are in immediate danger, don’t hesitate to call the police on 999.
Photography by Alex Kilbee.
