Across the UK, many of us are struggling to fill our supermarket trolleys and are worried about rising energy bills. For some of us the choice will be between heating and eating. For women trying to find the money to flee domestic abuse, the choice will be whether to leave or stay with an abusive partner. But the cost of living crisis shouldn’t cost women their lives. It’s up to us to make sure it never does.
From emergency transport to accommodation to food, Refuge’s costs are rising. We looked at the numbers and we’re going to need an extra £1 million this year.
That’s what it will cost to welcome women into our 44 refuges and help make sure we can answer the thousands of calls to our 24/7 Helpline. Together, we can stand with women all over the UK during one of the biggest economic crises of our lifetimes. Just as we came together to support women living with abusive partners in lockdown, we can take on this crisis together too.
Deanna* had an abusive partner, who made her a guarantor of payday loans with no intention of repaying them. She had to sell her belongings to be able to afford essential items such as bills and food.
Deanna found money was the most debilitating part of the whole situations and says that “The cost-of-living crisis for victims is terrifying. I woke up every day terrified, and terrified not knowing what to expect that day.”
Many women like Deanna are finding it harder to leave abusers, due to the cost of living crisis.
Give Once
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£10
could pay for a mobile phone top up for a woman to let her family know she is safe.
Donate now
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£30
could go towards paying for a taxi for a woman to flee her abuser and to be safe in one of our 44 refuges
Donate now
-
£52
could cover the cost of a woman and her children to have a safe night’s stay in a refuge
Donate now
Give monthly
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£5 a month
could go towards providing emotional support to a child. 90% of domestic abuse in the home happens in the presence of a child. Your regular gift could help children to overcome the trauma of witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse.
Donate now
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£10 a month
could help a woman regain her independence. Women are often forced to stop working by their abusers, or they have to leave their jobs when they escape abuse. Your regular gift could provide employment and financial advice from our specialist staff, to help a survivor regain her independence and support her back into work.
Donate now
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£15 a month
could provide essentials for a woman arriving at a refuge. Every day, women escaping life-threatening situations seek safety in our refuges. Many arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Your gift could provide toiletries, food and clothing to help a woman through her first night.
Donate now
25,000+ women and children were supported by Refuge last year
44 refuges for women fleeing domestic abuse
1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime
Questions about our Christmas cost of living appeal? Find answers to some commonly asked questions.
Disclaimer: Your generous donation will be used to support women and their children experiencing domestic abuse throughout the year. The donation amounts that are represented are illustrative of the support that we are able to offer through your generous backing.
*Name has been changed to protect the confidentiality of the woman we support.