Domestic Abuse doesn't stop for Christmas. For some families, rather than being the most wonderful time of the year, it is the most dangerous. We know that in Breckland this Christmas there will be many families living in households where domestic abuse is a reality. When children live in a home where there is violence, Christmas isn't a time of joy but one of fear, especially as the family is often together 24/7 and isolated from other support.
Nationally there has been a huge increase in reports of domestic abuse and calls to domestic abuse helplines since lockdown. At Daisy Programme, we have had twice as many people contacting us for support since April as last year, and our overall calls have increased 250%. Even for those survivors and their children no longer living with abuse, the impact and memories of prevous Christmas holidays can haunt them and stay with them for many years. We also know that many parents and children will face on-going abuse through child contact over this period. We want to make sure we are there for them whatever their situation.
That is why we are so grateful to those Breckland Councillors who are supporting Daisy Programme through their amazing virtual Santa's Grotto - Alison Webb, Claire Bowes, Mark Robinson, Nigel Wilkin, Paul Hewett, Ed Coleman and Lynda Turner. And with your support now, we can make sure that we are there for those that need us, not just at Christmas but for 2021 and beyond.
Just £5 will fund our art group or book club for a month. £10 will enable ten people to join a local support group. £20 will enable us to recruit a peer supporter to work with families affected by abuse and £100 will pay for delivery of a full recovery programme. Every £1 donated will make a difference to someone’s life.
"Since January, I walked away for good, got my children into school, (they were home educated by the abuser) stopped sleeping with a rolling pin and actually started to sleep!! I have had weekly therapy, controlled my panic attacks with hypnosis techniques, moved house, imagined a better life and believed I deserve it.... When I look at what I've done it feels huge....most importantly I have given my kids a shot at 'normal'." A Daisy client we supported last Christmas