Stop Domestic Abuse staff, Trustees and supporters came together for their Annual General Meeting on 9th December at King’s Community Church in Chandler’s Ford. Chair of Trustees Gill Butler and CEO Claire Lambon presented to an audience of 160 people including the Lady Mayoress of Portsmouth, the former Mayor of Eastleigh, as well as Councillors, Police, commissioners, local businesses, charity partners, staff, and volunteers.

Presentations focused on key achievements during the year, including a new contract commissioned by Southampton City Council and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police Crime Commissioner; the charity’s unique work with child victims of domestic abuse; and the charity's ongoing consultation with service users to refine and develop services both in the charity’s refuges and out in the community.

In 2021/2022 Stop Domestic Abuse supported 350 women and 435 children through safe accommodation in refuge; and 2348 adults and 1233 children and young people in the community. Stop Domestic Abuse’s Hampshire Advice Line team responded to 11,000 calls for advice and support; the Portsmouth Helpline responded to 400 calls, and the charity provided training to over 1000 professionals.

Claire Lambon CEO said, “I am proud of how much this amazing organisation has achieved during a year of organisational growth and intensive support for our clients. We respond with care, resilience and professionalism ensuring that all our clients have support to recover and heal. Our clients have faced significant challenges throughout the pandemic, and these continue due to the cost of living crisis, further limiting a survivor’s access to advice and support. With vital support from funding partners, we have provided welfare support to families facing hardship and upgraded facilities in our refuges.”

To end the meeting, attendees were reminded of the essential need for safe and specialist refuges for women and their children fleeing from domestic abuse. Claire Lambon was pleased to announce that thanks to support from Portsmouth City Council, the charity has identified a site for the development of a new bespoke family-focussed refuge. This brings the charity one step closer to achieving its vision of building a new refuge where women and children and recover and begin to rebuild their lives.The charity will relaunch a fundraising campaign in 2023 for this new safe space for victims in South East Hampshire.

Local businesses and community groups wishing to support Stop Domestic Abuse, are invited to contact the charity at changemaker@stopdomesticabuse.uk

Stop Domestic Abuse is an innovative and unique provider of all services to those affected by domestic abuse. Our vision is a world without domestic abuse.

Stop Domestic Abuse is the trading name of Southern Domestic Abuse Service Registered charity number 1146773

www.stopdomesticabuse.uk