Charities dealing with domestic abuse reported a surge in appeals for help since the start of the pandemic. One Community Foundation has awarded over £40,000 to eleven projects supporting those who were experiencing domestic abuse in Kirklees.
Local charity Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership received a grant for One Community to set up and run a Live Chat function on their website for all victims of domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour abuse.
A spokesperson for the organisation told us “We know that many victims don’t want to phone and speak directly, this resource allows victims to ask any questions when they choose in, a way they feel comfortable. It also means they can choose a time when the perpetrator is not around and control how and when the response to their requests is given.
In addition, the grant allowed us to implement a leave now button on the website and chat function, which instantly ends the session without leaving a trace of search history”.