Domestic abuse charity sees increase in demand

Hull Women's Aid is hoping to raise £10,000 to mark the charity's 50th anniversary

A women's refuge is marking its 50th anniversary with a fundraising campaign.

Hull Women's Aid provides support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

The charity said demand in the city is rising with 36 incidents per 1,000 people in 2023/24, above the national average of 27.

Fundraiser Shaunagh Brook-McClean said there had been an increase in clients since the Covid lockdown, adding "our services are constantly busy".

"We have our refuge in Hull where we can provide accommodation for women and their families," she said.

"We also have our outreach programme as well where we can help women in their own homes, or those have been put in emergency accommodation such as hostels."

The charity is hoping to raise £10,000 with a week of fundraising to mark its 50th anniversary.

Ms Brook-McClean said donations given from 8 October would be doubled as part of the Big Give campaign.

"It costs nothing extra for donors, but the impact for survivors of abuse is enormous," she said.

"This campaign could transform the support we're able to give in Hull."

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