Referrals to Solace Women’s Aid were up by more than a fifth between May and October this year.
The charity, which works with Southwark Council to provide advice and support to victims of domestic abuse, says 21 per cent more women were supported during those six months than in the same period in 2019.
As the News has reported, domestic violence surged during lockdown. Solace Women’s Aid has now launched a Christmas appeal, raising funds to help meet the extra need for specialist therapy and trauma services.
“Trauma and the impact of domestic abuse on survivor’s mental health is all part and parcel of violence against women and girls and the long-term harm inflicted on survivors,” said Fiona Dwyer, Solace’s chief executive officer
“This is why, at Solace, alongside running refuge services and places of safety for women and children to flee domestic abuse and violence, Solace provides specialist therapy and counselling services to help survivors on their long term journey to healing and recovery.
“This year, during the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns, Solace has seen an increase in the volume of women seeking our help and we are also seeing an increase in women facing complex trauma and mental health issues because of the abuse and violence they’ve suffered.”
To donate, visit: https://www.solacewomensaid.org/get-involved/give-now
? We’ve made our own Christmas advert, sorry, the song might get stuck in your head all day. Still, it could be worse.
Visit https://t.co/t7csvhllK0 to find out more #MakeItStop?— Solace Women's Aid (@SolaceWomensAid) November 25, 2020