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Jul 2020

Last Updated: 16/07/2020

Crime

Harrogate domestic abuse charity sees cases double

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 17 Jul, 2020

New Beginnings supports women around Harrogate who have survived domestic abuse. The charity is expecting their numbers to double again over the next three months with more women to need help following lockdown.

A Harrogate based domestic abuse charity is preparing for an increase of survivors following lockdown. Its CEO says the abuse can happen "closer than you think".

New Beginnings works with female survivors of domestic abuse around Harrogate. It currently supports 10 women but those numbers of expected to double over the next three months.

Since lockdown, the charity has had to increase its support to a 24/7 Whatsapp group chat, welfare checks and 1:1 video and phone calls. This service has increased by approximately 700% as it is now supporting twice the number of women it was and on a more constant basis.

Over lockdown any plans for women that were housed in refuge centres or waiting for a house had to be put on pause. New Beginnings come in once the women are resettled into houses, its support continues for as long as the woman needs.

Lindsay Oliver, CEO of New Beginnings, said:

"There is a misconception amongst many individuals that despite recent coverage of the realities of domestic abuse that is doesn't happen around here, with 1 in 3 women within their lifetime suffering domestic abuse, believe me it's closer than you think!

"We've been told by IDAS that there's a major backlog that will come through following this so we are getting prepared with more volunteers.

Yorkshire's largest domestic abuse charity, IDAS, warns risk of abuse could increase as lockdown continues.

Harrogate charity is expecting more calls for help following coronavirus as further consequences are revealed.

Two survivors of domestic abuse, both remaining anonymous, who are being helped by the charity, said:

"I've found being a part of the group and still able to have sessions so to speak via group chat and phone calls a great help and still having the support and speaking freely knowing that it's still private and confidential and I'm not alone."

Another women said:

"When I moved to Harrogate from an abusive relationship they helped me regain my confidence and myself control, they are such lovely and kind people. They help me and give me so much and I'm so happy to be apart of the group."

Lindsay added:

"We have continued throughout with welfare checks and catch ups with our clients. We're currently relying on community support as our funding streams have been delayed. The women mostly want to be able to see the woods for the tree and to put their life back together."

If you need help or support then you can access the charity via their facebook page @New Beginnings.

To support the charity, click here.

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