Domestic abuse charity continues to receive council support

The vital work of a domestic abuse charity has received a funding boost of almost £100,000 thanks to the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.

The council has extended its partnership with The Dash Charity, which provides specialist support to those who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse in the borough.  

A one-year contract extension with the charity, valued at £97,000, will run from 1 April this year to March 2022.

It will support an independent domestic violence advisor service, an outreach domestic abuse service and a children’s restorative programme.

Councillor Stuart Carroll, cabinet member for adult social care, children’s services, health and mental health, said: “The Dash Charity is an absolutely crucial service in supporting victims of domestic abuse which, sadly, has seen an increase in demand for its services during lockdown.

“This funding will allow the charity to continue its valuable work in our communities, providing help to those who need it most.

“In uncertain times, financially, for charities I’m delighted the council has been able to show its support by providing this funding.”

From April to December 2020 the charity saw an increase in the number of enquiries into the service rise by 53% to 805.

The number of people the charity supports has increased by 18% overall, to 410 clients, in comparison to the period from April to December 2019. During that period, the charity supported 105 clients in the domestic violence advisor service, 75 in the outreach service and 92 young people in the restorative programme.

Chief executive Alison Bourne said: “We at Dash are so pleased to be continuing this vital partnership with the council. 

“We are committed to supporting all victims of domestic abuse in our communities, especially in these challenging times that have seen such an increase in cases.”