Funding boost to support domestic abuse survivors
Local charity, Dawn’s New Horizon, has received £15,000 from South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils to support victims of domestic abuse.
The funding, provided through the Councils' Pride in Place and Employability grants, will pay for a counsellor to support newly rehoused victims of domestic abuse across Broadland and South Norfolk.
Cabinet Member for Broadland District Council, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said:
“By working alongside the amazing Dawn’s New Horizon and our other partners, we can offer this much-needed home-based support, during what can be a very dangerous and highly stressful time.”
“Breaking free of domestic abuse is incredibly difficult and we want survivors to feel supported and safe, while ensuring that they can access all the services and resources they need, to regain autonomy of their lives.”
Dawn’s New Horizon has helped scores of people cope with the effects of domestic abuse, offering information and support over the phone, online and face to face.
Founder Dame Lorraine Curston said:
“Our service is bespoke to the individual and their needs. We support and empower clients as they take back control of their life. This service has proven successful in the short time we have been providing one to one sessions within the safety of the client’s home.
“Speaking with individuals, they have given feedback about the service, stating that ‘it’s been life changing’. They now have a greater understanding around relationships, boundaries, their self-worth and have a better idea of who they are and where they want to be in the future.”
Since 2022, Saffron Housing have recorded 190 addresses in South Norfolk and Broadland where a member of that household has experienced domestic abuse. In just two months (December 2023/January 2024), Saffron was involved in providing advice and support to 18 tenants in the two districts.
Cllr Harpley added:
“Unfortunately domestic abuse is prevalent and it can happen to anyone. Please, if you, or anyone you know is being affected by domestic abuse, seek help immediately.”
Anyone affected by Domestic Abuse is urged to contact Dawn’s New Horizon on 07854 044680, or ring Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) on 0300 561 0555. People in immediate danger should call the police.
Residents of Broadland and South Norfolk can access the new counselling scheme by completing the councils’ Help Hub form. The councils also offer a sanctuary scheme which helps survivors of domestic abuse stay in their own homes, close to their support networks.
For more information about all the help available, or to report domestic abuse, please visit our Help Hub pages; email helphub@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk, call 01603 430431 or 01508 533933.