Stop Domestic Abuse will continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of victims of domestic abuse across Hampshire was the key message from CEO, Claire Lambon at the charity’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 9th October at King’s Conference Centre, Hedge End.
Over 200 partners, supporters, staff, and members of the public attended the meeting at which Chair of Trustees Gill Butler, and CEO Claire Lambon reported that the charity’s services are still in high demand, citing a 15% increase in calls to the organisation’s helplines in the past year.
They reflected on how Stop Domestic Abuse has adapted its services in response to feedback from the communities it works in.
This has included:
- Providing specialist support and advice for 156 clients affected by Harmful Practices and Female Genital Mutilation (a 64% increase on the previous year)
- Focusing on preventative work by delivering healthy relationship workshops to 13,638 children and young people during the year
- Strengthening its year-round group work programmes to include a mental wellbeing focus for 595 clients (16% more people than the previous year)
- Supported 10% more adults (348) and their children fleeing an abusive relationship through safe accommodation provision
Claire Lambon acknowledged the contribution of the wide range of stakeholders and supporters, many of whom were present at the event, who had made this response possible:
“I would like to thank our trustees, volunteers, partners, and supporters for their unwavering dedication, and Stop Domestic Abuse’s committed and skilled workforce, whose adaptability, professionalism, and compassion continue to be the foundation of everything we do. Together, we will constantly adapt so that we can continue to protect, empower and create lasting change.”
Attendees from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight included: The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastleigh, Councillor Richard Gomer; the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Pat Evemy; the Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Katherine Barbour; The Worshipful the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Jacky Tustain; The Worshipful the Mayor of Havant, Councillor Paul Tansom; The Worshipful the Major of Gosport, Councillor Kirsten Bradley; The Deputy Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Stephen Godfrey; Police; commissioners; local businesses; charity partners; staff; and volunteers.
Reflecting on the event, The Worshipful Mayor of Havant, Councillor Paul Tansom said:
“The work that Stop Domestic Abuse does is incredibly important. Home and family should provide sanctuary not fear. Seeing how they have adapted from their starting point in 1977 as an aid organisation for women is amazing. They have recognised that men can be abused as well, added specialist LGBTQ+ and stalking services, and stepped up to provide a new refuge in response to the impact of COVID on domestic abuse victims. Of particular note is their new project working with the police to improve handling of calls relating to abuse. Their work is truly inspiring, particularly when you realise that they also support the children of perpetrators and even work with perpetrators themselves to break the cycle. I found it quite an emotional and educational event to attend.”
Special tributes were given to outgoing Chair of Trustees, Gill Butler, who is stepping down from her role after five years. She will be succeeded by Maria Norris who was formally welcomed to the Chair.
Gill Butler said:
“As Chair, I have seen the organisation continue to strengthen its commitment to providing choice and person-centred support for thousands of victim-survivors of domestic abuse. It has been a very great privilege to observe at close hand so much amazing work. I am confident that Maria and the team will continue to drive positive change.”
Stop Domestic Abuse will mark its 50th anniversary in 2027. The incoming Chair, Maria Norris, will lead the charity’s efforts to ensure that all those affected by domestic abuse receive the specialist help they need to rebuild their lives, free from fear and abuse.
“Domestic abuse cannot be tackled by specialist charities alone. It needs all of us, across health, police, education, local authorities, the voluntary sector and our wider communities, working together. A whole-system approach means creating environments where people can recognise domestic abuse, feel confident having those conversations and know what to do when someone reaches out for help. I’m excited to work alongside our team to build on everything Stop Domestic Abuse has already achieved.”
