Hampshire domestic abuse charity encouraging victims to access support
Last year, the charity saw a 140% increase in self referrals from December to January
A Hampshire domestic abuse charity are encouraging victims to come forward for support this festive period.
Last year, the Stop Domestic Abuse charity saw an 140% increase in self referrals from December to January.
Claire Lambon's the CEO of the charity and says victims often hold on for one more Christmas.
She said: "We're giving out the message that we're available to support you and will work with you even if you want to remain with the perpetrator.
"We can help you to safety plan and to keep you and your children safe.
"A lot of women and other victims of domestic abuse will try and hold on for one more Christmas because as humans, we're internally optimistic that things might improve.
"People also stay for the children, thinking they'll have one more at home Christmas.
"Christmas doesn't create domestic abuse, but for people living in the group of domestic violence, it's not a special day.
"It is a day filled with terror and fear, whereas the rest of us look at Christmas as a joyful time when families come together."
Ms Lambon says it's important victims can access support.
"Christmas is also a period where victims are isolated because of the control the perpetrator exercises.
"There aren't any external networks, but they also might prevent you from seeing your family and friends as well.
"So those casual interactions you have in the playground dropping your children off, or in the office at work, those aren't available.
"So it's really important that victims and survivors can contact us via a whole range of methods.
"We have a helpline, but people can also contact us silently via live chat so the perpetrator won't hear them having a conversation.
"They can also email and there's lots of different routes that people can access our services."
To contact Stop Domestic Abuse, you can click here for more information.
For support, you can reach Samaritans by calling 116 123.