South Tyneside project helps victims flee abuse at home

The Creating A Home Project was set up by Options, which is run by Impact Family Services, two years ago and is supported by removal company TVR Removals.

Last year, it helped 75 families start a new life after victims gained enough courage to flee their abusive partners.

The scheme could also be the difference between a person escaping the emotional, mental and physical turmoil heaped on them by those who profess to love them or choosing to stay.

Project manager Julie Robinson said: “We have had over 400 requests from women throughout the year using the Options service, from those who had either fled domestic violence or said they would like to leave but felt unable to because of worries over making any new home comfortable for themselves and their children. “

According to latest figures is calculated it costs a mother looking to establish a family home for herself and her two children £2,268 excluding the cost of flooring and new clothing or children’s toys.

Julie added: “The vast majority of women approaching Impact Family Services for help are on benefits or have very little money to purchase goods.

“Therefore many stay, and the violence continues and in countless cases increases.”

Each year it costs the charity £8,000 to keep the scheme going.

The money is used to pay for essential household furniture, emergency overnight accommodation and funds for essential removal costs.

The scheme is supported by TVR removals who make a regular donation to the upkeep of the fund as providing a reduced fee for removals.

Craig Hobson, owner of TVR Removals said: “We have worked with Impact Family Services in South Shields for a number of years now and have lost count of the number of families we have helped together.

“We answer call outs at all times of the day and night, and it is our job to make sure it is all done as quickly and drama free as possible.

“Doing this at a reduced rate for charity and sometimes for free is our way of giving something to a worthwhile cause and helping people in the town we live and work in.”

Yesterday, the charity launched its 16 days to create a home campaign which aims to raise £8,000 to fund the service.

To make a donation visit www.mydonate.bt.com/charities/impactfamilyservices or visit the website www.impactfs.co.uk and use the donate button. For information on removals visit www.tvrremovals.co.uk

Sidebar

Options (Impact Family Services): For women who are suffering domestic abuse - 0191 456 7577. Out of hours 07921 395508 or 07545 08671.

Mens Advice Line: For men who are suffering domestic abuse - 0808 801 0327.

Northumbria Police Choice Helpline: For those suffering honour based violence - 0800 5999 365

Broken Rainbow - Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are victims of domestic abuse - 0300 999 5428

Young Person Violence Advisor - for those aged 13-17 who are in an abusive relationship - 0191 427 2850.

Apna Ghar - for women from the ethnic minority suffering from domestic abuse - 0191 456 4147.