#BehindTheSmile

Campaign for over the summer period


This summer, the SETDAB partnership have collaboratively worked to launch a new campaign to raise awareness that domestic abuse can hide behind smiles.

The campaign aims to raise awareness that domestic abuse is not just physical. It challenges assumptions and aims to help people recognise that domestic abuse doesn’t always look the way you might expect it to. It acknowledges that some people may present differently to the outside world whilst experiencing abuse behind closed doors.

The content directs to Compass, the domestic abuse helpline for across Essex.

All the campaign resources have been added to the SETDAB website, including the animated content and different sized assets for the variety of social media channels. If possible, please could the content be shared during July and August.

If you do share any of the resources, we would be grateful for any feedback, photos, or social media metrics you can provide. Please email them to domestic.abuseessex@essex.gov.uk, your insights help us understand the impact and improve future campaigns.

SETDAB Lecture Series: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

Monday 22 September 2025 11:00 – 13:00 via Microsoft Teams

Delivered by MARAC Managers: Jacqui Lovegrove, Imelda Callowhill & Fiona Pallett.

Target audience:

Frontline workers and managers who may need to make referrals into MARAC for victims of domestic abuse.

Session Outline:

  • To be able to recognise high-risk domestic abuse.
  • Feel more confident when completing a risk assessment.
  • Understand how to complete a high-risk referral to MARAC.

To attend this session, please visit the SETDAB website.

More information about MARAC is available on the SETDAB website.


Job opportunities: Open Road



Recovery Worker, Vange
  • Location – Vange (Basildon)
  • Salary – £25,000 per annum
  • Closing date - 1 August 2025

Deputy Manager, Substance Misuse Recovery Centre

  • Location – Chelmsford
  • Salary Band – £29,000 to £34,000 per annum
  • Closing date - 11 August 2025

Deputy Manager, Substance Misuse Recovery Centre

  • Location – Harlow
  • Salary Band – £29,000 to £34,000 per annum
  • Closing date – 11 August 2025

To apply or find out more information, please visit the Open Road website.