Funding boost for temporary Stop Domestic Abuse refuge to help 5 extra families fleeing domestic abuse

Stop Domestic Abuse has been awarded short-term funding to provide an additional refuge during this time, following a 66 per cent increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in May, and 950 per cent increase in website visitors compared to before the pandemic.

Working with Portsmouth City Council, Stop Domestic Abuse will deliver five additional rooms for mixed-size families needing refuge during the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding has been awarded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for the temporary accommodation of women and children.

Stop Domestic Abuse is currently the leading provider of domestic abuse services across Hampshire and now manages 14 refuges in the county.

Together these refuges, including the temporary refuge, will provide 94 bed spaces for women and their children that have fled their homes to escape domestic abuse.

Claire Lambon, charity chief executive, said: ‘We are very grateful to Portsmouth City Council for their support in providing additional refuge spaces during the pandemic.

‘A refuge is much more than a safe roof over a woman or child’s head. Specialist staff at Stop Domestic Abuse support women and their children living in refuge to begin a new life, free from fear.’

Buy a Brick was launched by Stop Domestic Abuse to raise the funds to build a new local refuge for families fleeing domestic abuse. So far, the charity has raised nearly 75 per cent of its £1m target.

SEE ALSO: Domestic abuse reports soar in Hampshire as police called to 7,950 incidents since coronavirus lockdown began

By owning their own refuge, the charity will be able to guarantee the continuation of services, so that safe refuge accommodation is available for those that most need it.

Claire said: ‘We work to support women and children to overcome the impact of violence and abuse and offer a wide range of practical and emotional support. Any woman who has experienced domestic violence can go to a refuge, with or without children.

‘Please do contact us for help and support. Our vision is a world without domestic abuse. We will not stop until domestic abuse does.’

If you are affected by domestic abuse, contact Stop Domestic Abuse on (023) 9206 5494.

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