On 7th July, Hampshire’s leading domestic abuse charity celebrated its 45th anniversary with an event attended by staff, supporters, Trustees and one of the pioneering local women who founded the charity in Havant in 1977. Gill Butler, Chair of Trustees, led a tribute to the staff team and served a special commemorative cake to all those who have led the fight against domestic abuse over the past 45 years.
In 1977 a group of local people saw a real need in Havant for a refuge for women and children and established Havant Women’s Aid which later became Southern Domestic Abuse Service. In 1978 the charity’s first refuge in Havant opened its doors to women and children. It was known locally as “Betty’s refuge” after Betty Bell who had been instrumental in getting it established. The refuge was in Bedhampton Way, everything was second hand and it was sparsely furnished. At first the refuge was run entirely on a voluntary basis with the help of a small but regular annual grant from Hampshire County Council. However, throughout the 1980s the demand in Havant increased as the Havant Refuge became better known as a source of help in the area and it was decided that the project should be funded on a level that permitted a fully professional approach.
In 2018 the charity re-branded to Stop Domestic Abuse with this name aiming to help more people affected by domestic abuse by increasing awareness and extending the reach into the community.
Today, Stop Domestic Abuse delivers specialist accommodation and community services to victims of domestic abuse across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. On 1st July, the charity started to deliver the full range of support services in Southampton, including two refuges for women and children fleeing from domestic abuse.
Chair of Trustees, Gill Butler said:
“1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 children in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton experience domestic abuse. I’m proud to be part of this fantastic organisation which has provided vital support to thousands of victims over the past 45 years. Thank you to Claire Lambon, our Chief Executive, and her amazing staff team for helping all those affected by domestic abuse. Their work ensures that victims are supported to recover and perpetrators are supported to change their behaviour.”
If you need support or advice, Stop Domestic Abuse offers a confidential support service to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Contact them on 0330 0533 630 or you by email at: advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk