Protesters in rally to oppose cuts to domestic abuse services in Portsmouth

That was the call echoing through Guildhall Square as protesters took to the street to oppose cuts to domestic abuse services in Portsmouth.

Dozens of campaigners, from student activists to political groups, massed in the steps of Guildhall.

The protests come amid a crucial council debate today which will determine the scale of cutbacks the city will face.

One source at the city council’s domestic abuse services, who asked not to be named, said cuts to the support could lead to tragic consequences.

‘We’ve been lucky in the city – no-one recently has been killed through domestic abuse,’ said the source.

‘But potentially now we could be looking at there being deaths and murders in Portsmouth for lack of support.

‘They could be cutting staff from 13 to five – we’re already struggling to cope.

‘Cutting back services will hit the city’s most vulnerable at their hearts.’