Domestic abuse charity nets almost £300,000 to support survivors

A CHARITY that supports survivors of domestic abuse has received a major grant from the government.
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Stop Domestic Abuse, based in Havant, has been given £291,608 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The money is part of the government’s £10m fund to support the most vulnerable people in society.

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This funding will allow Stop Domestic Abuse to continue providing safe accommodation services and keep bed spaces open for survivors and their children to flee from abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stop Domestic Abuse is a vital charity for survivors in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Picture: Sarah Standing (021019-7901)Stop Domestic Abuse is a vital charity for survivors in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Picture: Sarah Standing (021019-7901)
Stop Domestic Abuse is a vital charity for survivors in Portsmouth and the surrounding area. Picture: Sarah Standing (021019-7901)
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It will also fund support for a further 360 victims of domestic abuse and their children across Portsmouth and Hampshire.

Currently, the charity provides 13 refuges in Portsmouth and Hampshire, supporting 89 women and their children.

CEO Claire Lambon said: ‘We are delighted to be successful in this round of funding in order to continue our crucial and lifesaving work delivering refuge accommodation.

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‘As ‘lockdown’ is eased; those victims that have been forced into lockdown with a perpetrator of domestic abuse will have more opportunities to seek help and it is vital that we are adequately resourced to meet their needs.

‘However, this funding is both short-term and for safe accommodation. Both our refuge and community-based resources need to be adequately funded moving forward as the long-term trauma impact on women, children, young people and men living with domestic abuse during ‘lockdown’ will be significant.

‘The effects of lockdown will be felt in domestic abuse services for years. We are continuing to deliver services across Portsmouth and Hampshire and our refuges remain open. Please do contact us for help and support. Our vision is a world without domestic abuse. We will not stop until domestic abuse does.’

Since March, Stop Domestic Abuse has seen a huge rise in domestic abuse cases – something which was predicted when the government’s lockdown was introduced.

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Last month, self-referrals increased by 37.5 per cent, with the charity expecting further rises as there are more opportunities to leave the home.

Stop Domestic Abuse's advice helplines are available 24/7.

Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse can call the charity on 0330 016 5112. People living in Portsmouth can call (023) 9206 5494.