We are very pleased to announce that our domestic abuse support service DAWN, has secured 12 months of new funding from the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership (beginning 1 April 2025), meaning that after a period of uncertainty, the service is now back open and taking new referrals to support individuals from any gender who are experiencing domestic abuse.
After our successful fundraiser earlier in the year, that saw the local community donate more than £41,000 to the service, we are also now recruiting for professionals to join the team. One role will focus on supporting those from ‘hard to hear’, underserved and marginalised communities. This includes, but is not limited to, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black and minoritised communities, people with disabilities, refugees and asylum seekers, and those facing cultural or language barriers.
We have also secured funding for a part-time role, which will focus specifically on supporting male and male identifying victims and survivors, working closely with WCT’s CORE, a male empowerment project.
Head of Health and Targeted Intervention, Jo Jefferson said,
“We are extremely pleased to say that the DAWN service is back up and running with funding secured for the next 12 months.
“During our Crowdfunder earlier this year, the passion for how valued the service is really shone through, and we truly appreciate every message of support we received.
“Our special thanks go out the domestic abuse survivors who shared their stories, the amazing DAWN team who remain loyal to this service and their clients, the local organisations who pledged money and donated incentives to the campaign, local councillors, and of course the public for their incredible generosity. This money will enable us to continue supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse over the next 12 months.”
In the UK, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Support from DAWN for male and female victims and survivors of domestic abuse can include safety planning, support in accessing housing, benefits advice, debt advice and legal services, support in regaining financial independence, support at criminal and family courts, referrals to other specialist services and sessions aimed at building confidence and self-esteem.
If you would like to request support from the service or make a referral, you can do so via the website worcestercommunitytrust.org.uk/dawn/