MADA is the acronym for music against domestic abuse which was formed in November 2005 by Andy Stapley.

MADA's aim is to highlight the issues surrounding domestic abuse to as many people as possible and to bring this secret out into the open. Andy saw an untapped audience in youngsters who go to gigs and enjoy a wide variety of music genres. Equally however, he recognised that music crosses all boundaries regardless of age, sexuality, belief, culture or social class and that this mirrored features of abuse. Noticing these striking similarities, Andy was aware music was an invaluable medium through which to raise awareness.

Andy was first moved to the cause by hearing first hand the experiences of a survivor of domestic abuse and was determined to try and heighten people's awareness of the problem. He is painfully aware that those affected by abuse often struggle to move on after leaving abusive relationships and bear emotional scars long after any physical injuries have healed.

It is the emotional and psychological abuse and their affects which are impossible to measure and have, until recently, largely been ignored. However, it is no less important than the visible signs of physical abuse and organisations are now fully committed to supporting those affected by abuse of any nature.

MADA is committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse to musicians, singers and the general public through this website and events.

MADA aims to:

+ Raise awareness of domestic abuse to people who trip across the site through their love of music

+ Publicise music events which support MADA

+ Provide information to those experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse or indeed those who know someone in an abusive relationship from the support pages

+ Provide links to professional support organisations some of whom have 24 hour helplines

+ Provide information on other issues linked to domestic abuse

+ Seek support from bands, musicians and singers

Internet Safety

Web Browsers store a history of all the pages you visit during your time on the internet. It is imperative that you remove this information from your
computer so that an abuser cannot discover it. Please remember to do this procedure each time before you log off the internet .

Instructions for Clearing the View History in your Web Browser:

Using the toolbar of your web browser, find the menu selection that gives you view options.

In Microsoft Internet Explorer

use the View button, then select Options, then Navigation. In the History section, select Clear History, then OK.

In Netscape Navigator

use the Options button, then select Network Preferences, then both Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache, then OK.

In AOL

click on the Members menu, click on Preferences click on the www icon, select Advanced and then Purge Cache.

Other web browsers should have similar features.

Additionally:

you need to make sure that the "Use Inline Autocomplete" box is NOT checked. This function will complete a partial web address while typing a
location in the address bar at the top of the browser.

If you are using Internet Explorer, this box can be found on the MS Internet Explorer Page by clicking on the "View" icon at the top, then "Internet Options"
, and then the "Advanced" tab. About halfway down there is a "Use Autocomplete" box that can be checked and unchecked by clicking on it.

email:

if an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure,
make sure you choose a password he or she will not be able to guess and change it frequently.

Be aware that this is not foolproof. They may notice that the history is gone, and get suspicious.

For your own safety while browsing, consider using a computer which is not in your home - try an internet cafe, the local library, or a trusted friend's house.

How to Hide Your Internet Activities

Safety warning
If you're worried about someone knowing you have visited this website then please read this warning. It tells you how to take steps to increase your safety
when using the internet.

E-mail:
If an abuser has access to your email account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure,
make sure you choose a password that an abuser will not be able to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing e-mail messages,
they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse.

History / cache file:
If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information
you have viewed recently on the internet. You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.

Netscape:
Pull down Edit menu, select Preferences. Click on Navigator on choose 'Clear History'. Click on Advanced then select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache".
On older versions of Netscape: Pull down Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache".

Internet Explorer:
Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Temporary Internet Files , click on "Delete Files". Under History click on "Clear History."

AOL:
Pull down Members menu, select Preferences. Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache.

This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on
the internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.