This Christmas at Glow, we’re fundraising to support survivors of domestic abuse living in our safe accommodation services.
Our #ThisChristmas campaign will focus on changing the present and creating a safer festive season for those escaping domestic abuse.
Each year nearly two million people in the UK experience some form of domestic abuse. On average, victims at high risk of serious harm or murder live with domestic abuse for two to three years before seeking help.*
When people experiencing abuse are ready to seek support, our safe accommodation services provide a secure and welcoming space free of violence and abuse.
We have three refuges and community-based safe accommodation across North Staffordshire that provide shelter and support for people fleeing abuse, to help them start a new chapter and rebuild their lives.
Mum-of-two Zara spent Christmas in refuge last year after suffering physical and emotional abuse from her husband, which was witnessed by her daughters, seven-year-old Mia and five-year-old Khai.
She said: “We don’t celebrate Christmas, but it was such a special time, especially for my children. They hadn’t experienced any of the Christmas traditions before, so I encouraged them to get involved.
“Last Christmas in refuge was special. To see my children happy decorating the tree and receiving gifts was amazing. We’re really looking forward to Christmas this year and can’t wait to help with the preparations.”
Our teams are experts in providing specialist support for people experiencing and escaping abuse, but we need your help to make sure we can continue this support.
Our services save lives, so it’s essential that we keep them running.
Head of Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, Lucy Willis, said: “Safe accommodation and refuge are vital parts of the work that we do to support people who have experienced domestic abuse.
“Many people escape an abusive relationship at a moment’s notice, scared for their own and their children’s lives. With little or no money and nowhere safe to go, victims are at high risk of returning to their abuser.
“It’s vital that specialist support can be offered at this critical time and stop victims and children feel that there is nowhere to turn.
“We couldn’t continue our work without the help of our generous supporters. We’re so grateful for every donation, big and small, because it helps us to support people who have experienced abuse.”
You can support our #ThisChristmas appeal here.
*source: SafeLives
