The Pavers Foundation has made a £10,000 donation to Hull Women’s Aid, that has been initiated by Ian and Debbie Paver.
Hull Women’s Aid is the only refuge of its kind in Hull and East Riding, offering advice and support to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. The £10,000 donation will fund the refurbishment of the on-site nursery for children who are victims of domestic abuse.
HWA provides emergency and temporary accommodation to those who have fled domestic abuse and offers advice and support for those who have moved out of reuge accommodation and need ongoing support to live a safe and independent life. Further to this the charity provides outreach support for children and young people up until the age of 25.
It is believed that 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and an incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every minute, at least 750,000 children every year witness domestic abuse.
Refuges like Hull Women’s Aid provide a vital form of protection to women and children who are experiencing domestic abuse, on average there are 3,615 women and 3,580 children living in emergency refuge accommodation in England. It is at the point of leaving an abusive partner and afterwards that women are at most risk from serious harm or death. Currently, two women every week are killed by their current or former partner.
Michelle Donnelly, Service Manager from Hull Women’s Aid said:
“With the generous support of the Pavers Foundation we have been able to further the recruitment of a children’s worker for the Refuge to support the children and young people to reach their full potential having experienced domestic abuse. The support worker is able to provide support to children and their mothers at a time of crisis when they are potentially at their most vulnerable. Working with children at this time of crisis and recovery can have a life-long positive impact on the children and their family.
These sessions provide opportunities for children aged 5 and over to have an experienced domestic abuse worker listen to them; giving them the occasion to explore their feelings. A variety of techniques are used such as play therapy, arts and crafts and “wishes and feelings”. The length of the process can vary dependent upon the needs and experiences of the young person and each child in the refuge and out in the community, is allocated a key worker to support them.”
Debbie Paver, Trustee of the Pavers Foundation said:
“Hull Women’s Aid gives imperative protection and support to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, through the use of ‘safe houses’ at secret locations.
As HWA is a self-funding charity it was vital to Ian and myself that such an important, local cause is fully supported. HWA provide incredible, life-saving protection to victims of domestic abuse, where they have a place to turn at their most vulnerable, these ladies have often fled their homes often with no belongings or money, looking for refuge and safety for themselves and the children”.
