Big-hearted staff help victims of domestic violence 19 November 08

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Thanks to big-hearted staff at Newcastle City Council, families spending Christmas in a refuge will have a chance of enjoying their Christmas due to large donations of toys and gifts for Safe Newcastle’s annual domestic violence appeal.

 

The appeal aims to help victims of domestic violence who have had to flee their homes to escape domestic violence. Many of the families arrive with only the clothes they were wearing, never mind basic toiletries, extra clothes or toys for children. The demand for places in refuges dramatically increases during the Christmas period as incidents of domestic violence soar. This can be attributed to many factors including increased drinking, financial pressures and families spending more time together.

 

Lesley Storey, Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for Safe Newcastle said “At Christmas time we generally think of mistletoe, parties and presents, but sadly for many Christmas can also mean black eyes, broken bones and families terrorised by violence and abuse.

 

“This appeal is really important as it helps bring a little joy to this difficult, emotional time of year for the families in the refuge.”

 

The appeal was started three years ago and has been steadily growing ever since. City council staff donated toiletries, clothing, books, toys, nightwear, cosmetics, baby items and gifts. Lesley added “I have been incredibly overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff at the Civic Centre and would like to say thank you to them all. Many of the items we take for granted, such as clean underwear and toiletries, these families have had to leave behind so all the items donated will be gratefully received. The toys are especially important as it brings some resemblance of normality and means that children can share in the Christmas celebrations, in a safe place free from violence. These children will have witnessed the abuse and often are traumatised by their experience.”

 

The donations will help around 40 families during the Christmas period. Any items left over will be stored by the refuges and used throughout the year as new families arrive. Refuges provide a safe house for women and families where they can live free from violence. They offer temporary accommodation and support and help for victims.

 

The appeal is part of Safe Newcastle’s campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage victims to get the help they need. Adverts on buses and posters have been distributed throughout the city with details of a local helpline run by Women’s Aid. Lesley added “The families in the refuges are safe, but there are many more families this Christmas who will suffer violence and abuse. Help is available by contacting 0800 923 2622.”

 

Chair of Safe Newcastle, Gareth Cooper said “The support and empathy shown by Newcastle City Council staff to help the families in refuges has been tremendous. Domestic abuse and violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, wealth, religion, culture or class. We know that 34,000 women in Newcastle will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. This means that a woman you know – a sister, friend, daughter or colleague could be at real risk of abuse. Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can get help by contacting the local helpline.”

 

Safe Newcastle launched its domestic violence reduction and abuse strategy in September 2006. The strategy sets out how all different agencies, including the police, the refuges, the health service and charities will work together to tackle this problem in the city. Areas of work include helplines, sanctuary schemes (which allow victims to remain in their homes), work with perpetrators of domestic abuse to change their behaviour and support and advice for both men and women suffering abuse,

 

Domestic violence facts

• Two women are killed each week by their partners or ex-partners
  
• Accounts for 16% of all violent crime
  
• Only one in ten victims contact the police
  
• On average a victim is assaulted 35 times before calling the police
  
• Will affect one in four women and one in six men during their lifetime
  
• Children witness 90% of all domestic violence incidents