Funding plea for Preston domestic abuse charity helping women in crisis

A charity that runs a lifeline for victims of domestic violence has revealed its concern at a drop in calls as its funding starts to run out.
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Preston Domestic Violence Services (PDVS) runs a vital helpline, Hope Services and Outreach Service, but the small community based charity's funding comes to an end in September, with the future uncertain for its six members of staff.

It does not receive support from the local authority, and is usually funded by charitable causes, with Community Gateway providing office space to bring their running costs down.

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In the last financial year they took 667 calls on the helpline, while the Hope Services provided support to 124 victims.

Salma Ali, manager of PDVSSalma Ali, manager of PDVS
Salma Ali, manager of PDVS

The charity's outreach worker received 54 referrals.

During the lockdown staff have received only 63 calls and 16 new referrals for our Hope Service.

It is feared some women are not able to make calls for help due to being trapped in their home with their abusive partner during the lockdown.

Manager Salma Ali says their experiences are bucking the national picture, in which many charities have reported an increase in the demand for help, but anticipates demand for its services will spiral once lockdown is eased.

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She said: "We've not seen an increase in calls, it's been the same as last year. But what we did find is in the first two to three weeks of lockdown it went particularly quiet.

"This is partly due to the fact that people were just more focused on how life was going to be, because everything changed for everyone, but in terms of the calls coming through to us now, women say the issue is trying to be able to get through to us and finding a safe time to call.

"A lot of women have really struggled to call us and even when they have, some have had to rush or hang up quickly because they are almost always locked in the house with their abusers."

Staff encounter victims at various stages of domestic abuse and the service is tailored for their individual circumstances.

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PDVS is desperately searching for funds to continue that support beyond September.

The staff have seen a mixed situation in how the lockdown has affected victims.

Ironically, for some women who had managed to flee just before the lockdown, the situation has helped them because their abuser has to stay in due to lockdown rules.

Salma added: " This has given some women breathing space to be able to focus on themselves. The kids are not in school so they can't be confronted on the school run - we are all at home being more safe."

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But others are facing more harassment in situations where their perpetrator is not in work and has more time on their hands.

Salma said: "Every woman has had a different experience."

The lockdown has meant the charity had to halt its group work for women, which helps them understand their situation, an abuser's traits, the effects on children, and come to terms with their ordeal.