A new campaign aimed at helping people in Luton recognise the signs of domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships has been launched.
The initiative, called Raising Red, Flying Green, was created by Women’s Aid and Luton Council’s Public Health team. Using the symbolism of red and green flags, it highlights warning signs of controlling or abusive behaviour while celebrating examples of trust and respect in relationships.
During the launch at Luton Town Hall MPs Rachel Hopkins and Sarah Owen joined councillors, local businesses and domestic abuse support groups. The event featured emotional speeches from Gaby Price, chief executive officer of Women’s Aid Luton, Councillor Maria Lovell MBE, Luton’s portfolio holder for Women, Equalities and Community Safety, and Jodie Summer Williams, creative director at Mediazoo.
The campaign will run across social media, bus adverts, digital screens, window stencils, posters and community outreach work. It aims to reach groups particularly vulnerable to domestic abuse, including young women aged 14 to 24, older women whose experiences often remain hidden, and women in faith-based communities who may face additional cultural barriers to seeking help.
A new website – raisingredflyinggreen.co.uk – has also been launched, offering advice, resources and access to local support services.
Councillor Lovell said: “Domestic abuse devastates lives, shattering the safety, health and wellbeing of victims and families. Too often, people don’t recognise that what they’re experiencing is abuse until it’s too late.
“This campaign is about helping our community to spot the red flags – signs of controlling or harmful behaviour – and giving people the confidence to speak up, seek help, and recognise what a loving, respectful relationship should look like.”
Women’s Aid Luton chief Ms Price added: “If this campaign helps just one person feel seen, heard, or safe enough to reach out, that’s enough. But we hope it does far more. Raising Red, Flying Green is about showing survivors they’re not alone, and that Luton stands with them.”
Ms Summer Williams from Mediazoo, the creative agency that helped develop the initiative, said the campaign’s direct approach was intended to challenge perceptions: “Behaviour change is never easy, but this campaign aims to do the seemingly impossible and truly shift the dial. Our two-pronged approach uses red flags to expose abusive behaviour that often hide in plain sight and green to offer support.
“What we’ve launched in Luton is a UK first. It’s bold, direct and impossible to ignore. It doesn’t soften the truth; it shows abuse for what it is and dares people to see it. This isn’t just a local campaign; it’s a line in the sand. Now, the rest of the country needs to catch up.”
Raising Red, Flying Green forms part of Bedfordshire’s wider efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, complementing projects such as Project Vigilant — which targets predatory behaviour in the night-time economy — and Mary Seacole Housing Association’s perpetrator accommodation scheme.
It is supported by local organisations including Women’s Aid Luton, Stepping Stones, All Women’s Centre, the Trauma Healing Collective and the Ebonista Project.
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