Domestic abuse helplines are preparing for a spike in calls after Christmas Day, explaining that the festive period can be a time of “hurt and fear” for many.

While people are preparing to spend Christmas in the arms of their families, for Women experiencing domestic abuse this time of year comes with additional pressures often leaving them treading on eggshells to avoid conflict during the festive season.

Financial stress, increased time in the home and an increase in alcohol consumption can all lead to abuse escalating over the Christmas period. Women who want to escape abuse often avoid doing so in the run up to Christmas so as not to disturb the family dynamic or worry children at this time of year.

Helen* said:

” I had wanted to tell him to leave for weeks, as things had been getting worse. He was getting more controlling and I was starting to get scared he would be violent. I didn’t want to cause a fuss before Christmas and I thought things would be ok. Between Christmas and New Year I knew I had to protect my kids, so took them to a friend then while they were out I asked him to go. He got really angry and that was when he got violent.”

Women usually try to give their children normality over Christmas and their only chance to call a helpline is when Christmas is over and their partner isn’t home or the kids have gone back to school.

The key is not to suffer in silence. Safespots will be open until the 21st of December and re-opens on Wednesday 2nd January at 9.30am,  however the National Domestic Abuse Helpline run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge 0808 2000 247 is a 24hr service, so please, if you need help, pick up the phone.

*name changed for confidentiality

https://safespots.org.uk/2018/12/587/

Safespots’ first Christmas Grotto was a great success with over 50 children visiting Santa throughout the day on Saturday.

Thanks to generous donations, including selection packs for the children, decorations and trees from William Temple Church and a £60 individual donation it was an absolutely magical day.

One Mum said afterwards:

“My children had lots of fun and keep going on about Santa flossing, that was their highlight of the afternoon. Staff were very friendly and welcoming.  Well done to all the staff that made it possible for the children of Wythenshawe you’re all stars”.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Mr and Mrs Claus for coming all the way from the North Pole and giving their time at such a busy time of year, and all the Elves for working so hard despite their jet lag after the long sleigh ride!

We are pleased to announce that Safespots have been awarded £10,000 in funding from the National Lottery. It’s thanks to millions of National Lottery players that we’ve been able to apply for and be granted this funding, which comes directly from the proceeds of tickets. The money will be used to support hundreds of women from the Wythenshawe area fleeing domestic abuse with advocacy and support services.
Safespots provide a safe space in the heart of the community where women can talk, get information and take courses such as healthy relationships and money management, receive employment support and access legal first aid. Safespots is led by women who understand domestic abuse and have had similar experiences themselves, meaning there will always be an understanding ear and a friendly face.
Pat Hawkins, Chair of Safespots Board said:
“We are delighted to have received this grant, which will make such a difference to the lives of women in Wythenshawe. As a small organisation we rely on funding such as this to make the work we do possible. It says a lot for our service to be recognised by a big organisation like the National Lottery, so we would like to thank them for their support. It literally feels like we have won the lottery!”

 

Note for Press Editors: Please contact Julia at info@safespots.org.uk you require any further information or an interview.

News has just arrived by Elf mail that a very special guest will be “coming to town”.

On Saturday 15th December 2018 the most generous man in the world will be flying in to Wythenshawe to visit the Girls and Boys on his good list.

Mr Claus said:

“I am very much looking forward to meeting all of the girls and boys from Wythenshawe. I have been checking my nice list and it is still being updated by the elves so there is still time to get on the list. I have been busy packing my sleigh and shining Rudolph’s nose to make an early trip out ahead of my big day of the year.”

If your child would like to come to Safespots for some Christmas crafts and to meet Santa in his secret grotto please book your FREE tickets at

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wythenshawe-safespots-18059130165

One ticket required per child . Children must be accompanied by a responsible (female*) adult.
(*Safespots is a Women’s Centre and safe space. We apologise that children can only be accompanied by a female adult.)

 

November has been an exciting month for Safespots, as the Scrap The Fee Campaign reached the House of Lords. The campaign, started in 2016 by the Safespots Women aims to outlaw GP’s charging domestic violence victims up to £150 for legal aid referral letters. Scrap the fee has now been discussed by Lord Kennedy and has won the backing of Health Minister Lord O’Shaughnessy. We are now hearing  some GP’s voluntarily rewriting their charging policies as a result.

Sarah Judge said

” In 2016 when Tom Watson, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party visited Safespots, our women told him about the injustice of having to pay such a large amount just to prove they had experienced abuse and to get the legal help they need. We have worked with Tom ever since and are so grateful for the way he has pushed this campaign to the highest levels of Government, but most of all, so proud that women from right here in Wythenshawe stood up, made their voices heard and are now changing the lives of tens of thousands of women across the Country.”

Women can now ask for evidence from a range of services including:

• Domestic abuse support services such as Safespots
• The courts
• The police
• A multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)
• Health professionals including a GP, Midwife, psycologist or health visitor
• A refuge manager
• Your bank, e.g credit card accounts, loan documents and statements showing financial control
• Your employer or education provider
• The provider of any benefits received

Please get in touch with Safespots if you would like more information about how you can get help with legal support and legal aid and for more information on supporting the campaign.

Last Friday’s Retro Soul fundraiser had a fantastic turnout with over 70 people dancing the night away to raise much needed funds. In total the evening raised £923. 87!!

Chair of the Safespots board Pat Hawkins was delighted;

“I would like to thank everyone who supported the event with their kind donations and time, particularly the Northenden Social Club for hosting the event and our amazing DJ’s. We look forward to more events like this in the future, so watch this space!”

Special thanks to

Northenden Social Club, Cheadle House Hotel, Printrocket, Adomedia, Pete Clegg, Anthony Lillis, Mike Kane MP, Libby Hill, Tommy and Carole Judge.