Domestic violence is the number one reason for homelessness amongst women and children. Research showed that 78 percent of homeless applications from women were due to some form of domestic abuse (Scottish women’s aid). Around 1 in 6 of us will face domestic abuse in our lifetime.
Vicki Wheaton, the founder of the newly registered charity started Domestic Abuse Survivors in 2018 as a social media group.The group collected donations for refugees supporting those affected by domestic abuse. When people from the local community started to message Vicki asking for support it became clear that something more was needed. Domestic Abuse Survivors became a support service and registered as a charity in 2019 (Charity no:1183864).
SAM W, a survivor of domestic abuse said “Services like Domestic abuse Survivors are vital to people like me. The hardest thing for me was not the violence or the mind control, it was the feeling of being isolated and alone. I felt suicidal and was constantly blaming myself, people like Vicki genuinely save lives and I cannot thank them enough.”
In a statement on her website Vicki Says “My service is non judgemental and client led. we never judge we only do our best to offer all of the help and support available as and when needed”
If you need support or to find out more visit www.domesticabusesurvivors.co.uk or contact the national domestic violence helpline free on: 0808 2000 247
In an emergency always dial 999 and ask for the police.
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