Two societies at Essex University have collaborated to organise a charity event that will raise money for a women’s refuge charity.
Essex Blades Dance Club and Essex Blades Hockey Club are holding a pub quiz on the 27th of January. This will raise money for Refuge Charity, an organisation that provides support for women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse. The event is taking place at Top Bar from 7pm-9pm with a £2 per person entry fee. All money raised from the event will go to Refuge Charity.
Refuge Charity is an organisation that provides temporary accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Their services include organising outreach workers to meet and support women either in their homes or in another safe place if they are still living with their abuser. Their expert team of domestic, sexual and gender violence advocates can provide guidance and support for those at risk of violence or are going through civil and criminal courts. These include help with reporting to the police, giving a statement, attending court safely or testifying against their abuser. Some women may also come across gender or culture-based barriers including discrimination, language needs or immigration status which Refuge Charity can also provide specialist services for.
Their ‘one stop shop’ services are single-point-of-access places in three different areas. These act as a first point of contact for victims of gender-based violence and include The Gaia Centre in Lambeth, Athena in Lewisham and a centre in Barking and Dagenham. On top of this, their team of child support workers provide one-to-one group sessions for the children affected by domestic abuse which will help them with homework, clubs, playing and school holiday activities.
About domestic abuse
2.4 million people experienced domestic abuse in the UK last year according to the Office for National Statistics. Despite these shocking figures, they only paint a small picture of the true scale of domestic abuse; it is a crime that commonly happens behind closed doors without the police being involved.
Domestic abuse doesn’t always have to be violent, it can form in a number of different ways and will be carried out by a partner (or former partner) or any other family member.
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. It can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse; psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.”
The Government’s definition of domestic abuse.
Find out more about domestic abuse and how to recognise it here.
In an emergency related to domestic abuse, you should always call 999.
However, Refuge Charity also offer a 24-hour helpline which will listen to your problems and offer information and guidance. This number is contactable via; 0808 2000 247
Visit Refuge Charity’s website here.
Feature image created by Shannon McGuigan