This summer, many are looking forward to getting away for a holiday abroad or in the UK. But for those experiencing domestic abuse, their perfect getaway looks like escaping violence and abuse forever, having a safe roof over their heads and accessing the support they need to recover from their trauma.
Domestic abuse doesn’t take a holiday and neither does Solace. We’ve launched a fundraising appeal to fund our vital work to support more than 7,000 survivors who are expected to arrive at Solace’s doors this summer.
Jane Jutsum, Director says; “Whilst many people are looking forward to a summer holiday at home or abroad, many survivors are wondering whether they can afford to getaway from a violent partner. The rising cost of living has hit London hard and will impact on the ability for women and children to leave abusive homes and get the right support. Our campaign reminds people that whilst we are enjoying the sunshine, women and children still need urgent, vital support and Solace are here for them.”
- £20 could provide a welcome pack of essential items to a woman arriving at our refuge with nothing.
- £100 could fund 1hr of counselling with a trauma-informed therapist for a survivor in crisis.
- £500 could pay for a trip to the seaside for families living in our refuges.
- £1,000 could setup a family in a new home after fleeing with nothing.
Summer is already a difficult time for women experiencing domestic abuse. The rising heat sees shorter tempers and increased rates of abuse. Whilst summer holidays are meant to be a joyful break from school, for some children, they are more at risk of seeing violence or being hurt themselves.
Survivors now face additional barriers due to the rising cost of living. Inflation rates have hit a 40-year high, and this is being felt in the capital. 4 in 10 children in London already live in poverty. Poverty is a major barrier to escaping an abusive relationship. Without the means to secure housing, buy food and pay energy bills, women are being forced to choose between domestic abuse or homelessness and starvation.
“Living in the refuge is a temporary step on the journey to living free from abuse but preparing to move on means preparing for major cost of moving, furnishing and equipping a new home, leaving little in the budget for days out and having those special carefree moments. Thankfully, we offer this respite care, but we are limited by funding. Living in one bedroom with one or more children has such an impact on mental health of both mothers and their children and adding to their stress is the cost-of-living crisis, that many see their future as really uncertain, especially with the financial worries of leaving the refuge and feeling alone.”
Solace Family Support Worker
We need urgent funding to provide immediate, vital support for women and children experiencing abuse. Our appeal is supported by The Big Give and the Department of Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) Tampon Tax fund. From 21st July 8am – 1st September 1pm, all donations received via The Big Give will be DOUBLED.
Donate now to DOUBLE your donation!
For media enquiries: media@solacewomensaid.org
For fundraising enquiries: fundraising@solacewomensaid.org