We are so grateful to have been presented with a cheque for £2000 from Unite the Union in support of our newly launched Sanctuary Appeal campaign.

We recently launched an appeal to raise the final £1 million towards building a new purpose-built refuge for women and children escaping from domestic abuse. Since 2016 it has been our ambition to build a new refuge in Havant, and today we took another step closer to this goal with another generous donation from long term supporter Unite the Union.

Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. It is a leading cause of homelessness and puts children at risk of long-term physical and mental health problems. Survivors of domestic abuse often face the choice between staying in an abusive household or leaving to find safety in safe accommodation usually by staying in a specialist refuge. In the last year, we have delivered safe accommodation to 431 women and 428 children and young people in refuges but more refuge spaces are needed in Hampshire to accommodate families with a range of complex needs.

Hampshire as a whole has a shortfall of approximately 48 family refuge spaces with Havant being at least 6 family refuge spaces short. There is a particular need for refuge rooms suitable for disabled people who are currently underserved in the county. The new refuge will address the shortage of refuge accommodation and meet the needs of the local community.

Claire Lambon, CEO, Stop Domestic Abuse, said,

“We are so grateful to everyone who donates to Stop Domestic Abuse and in particular to organisations like Unite the Union who have been supporting our refuge services in Portsmouth with donations since 2018. We are now in the final phase of our fundraising appeal working to raise the last £1 million we need to complete the construction of this £3 million sustainable, purpose-built specialist refuge in Havant which will offer the best in communal living for women and children escaping from domestic abuse. This generous donation from Unite the Union takes us one step closer to our goal and we continue to be humbled by their dedication and support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and their children.”

Avril Eley, Branch Secretary for Unite the Union, said;

“It was with great pleasure that Unite the Union could present a donation cheque for £2000 to Stop Domestic Abuse today. Stop Domestic Abuse provides incredible support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse in our area. Back in 2018, we had a presentation from one of the service managers who came to talk to us about the work the charity does. We knew straight away the importance of both donating but also pledging to join the awareness raising campaign surrounding domestic abuse. We are thrilled that this donation will be going to such an important and necessary part of their service and that we can be part of making the purpose- built refuge a reality”

If you are interested in making a donation to the Sanctuary Appeal or would like more information about fundraising on behalf of Stop Domestic Abuse, you can contact us at changemaker@stopdomesticabuse.uk or call 02392 008329. Find out more at stopdomesticabuse.uk/donatetoday

If you live in Hampshire, Portsmouth or Southampton and are experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 0330 0533 630 or email advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk for confidential advice and support.