National Domestic Violence Helpline wins award

Refuge and Women’s Aid win award for life saving domestic violence helpline

For many women and children the Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808
2000 247 is seen as the fourth emergency service. On Wednesday 24 November the Helpline,
which won the Telephone Helpline Association ‘Working in Partnership’ award, was rewarded
for its life saving services.Up until December 2003 both Refuge and Women’s Aid had been
running separate lines, but jointly now run a single and unique freephone service for
women and children experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and
others calling on their behalf. The Helpline service combines the resources, skills and
strengths of both organisations to ensure women have quicker access to consistent help
and support. Calls are routed to the first available operator in either organisation,
increasing the potential for answering calls. 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence
in their life-time and since December 2003 to the end of August 2004 the Helpline
received almost 50,000 calls. Sandra Horley, OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge and Nicola
Harwin, CBE, Director of Women’s Aid issued a joint statement saying: “Our helpline teams
work around the clock to provide emergency support to women and children. Two women in
England and Wales die a week as a result of domestic violence – but we know that without
the Helpline and its crucial services, many more lives would be at risk. We’re delighted
that the Helpline has received this accolade and we would like to pay tribute to our
teams to operate this service.”