Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am raising vital money for #SupportSurvivors so that their digital services can stay open. 

I have recently started working for a domestic abuse charity and it has really opened my eyes to the harrowing situation that many women, men and children will find themselves in during lockdown. While the restrictions that have been imposed due to Covid-19 are essential to our health, for many people home is not the safe place to retreat to and being locked down with your abuser not only increases the risks for those experiencing abuse, but also impacts on mental health with increased anxiety. 

In a Women's Aid survey in April 2020 67% of survivors told the charity that abuse was escalating under lockdown and 72% said their abuser had more control since Covid-19. During the first two weeks of lockdown there were at least 16 killings, including those of children. For everyone, lockdown has resulted in further isolation from those you would usually turn to for support; as you can imagine this is even more so for those living with domestic abuse as their access to informal support, family, friends, work colleagues and schools has now been taken away. 

Referrals to the service I work for have hugely increased and I know this is the same picture for many, if not all, services working with domestic abuse survivors. Many of these services rely on fundraising and donations which, again, due to the lockdown has been restricted. It is the perfect storm; an increase in need, reduction in fundraising, staff shortages and increased costs for staff working at home. Despite the welcome funds from the government, I felt that more needed to be done, which led me to this vital fundraising. 

Before Covid-19, the Women's Aid Live Chat was already a vital lifeline for women who couldn't find the words or were unsure whether they are experiencing abuse. But this support is now needed more than ever. Each chat between a survivor and Women's Aid expert support worker costly roughly £5. By donating the price of the bus to work or a morning coffee pre-Covid, you could support one woman indefinitely trapped with abuse. 

Thank you so much for supporting me and the survivors Women's Aid support on a daily basis. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving as they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So its the most efficient way to donate saving time and cutting costs for the charity.