A Dundee charity has warned that the cost of living crisis could force victims of domestic abuse back into abusive households.
Dundee Women’s Aid says it fears the rising costs of food and energy mean that women and children who have sought refuge might struggle to support themselves – and feel they have no option but to return to homes they previously fled.
The organisation is now launching an appeal to raise £20,000 so it can support abuse victims with their bills.
Funds will be used to help those in refuge over the winter months.
‘Heartbreaking’ struggles for domestic abuse victims
Michelle Whitelaw, chair of Dundee Women’s Aid, said: “It is heartbreaking to think that having been strong enough to leave a home – often with only the clothes on your back – that you find yourself struggling to keep the heat on.
“We do not want to see any person return to a place where they faced domestic abuse because they cannot afford to keep themselves or their children warm.
“We ask people to consider giving up their coffee, or their hot drink on treat day, and consider donating a small sum to our hardship fund.
Domestic abuse has not disappeared and right now we’re at a tipping point
“It is a little that means a lot to the women we support. Awareness of domestic abuse was heightened throughout the Covid pandemic.
“Domestic abuse has not disappeared and right now we’re at a tipping point.
“The current economic difficulties mean we need to ensure that we are ready to support women and children beyond the immediate needs of the service, and consider basic welfare like a warm home.”
Online fundraiser
The online fundraiser is running until December 31.
It comes after a UK charity warned last month that some abuse victims have been unable to get to court due to the cost of living crisis.
Earlier this year, an innovative scheme aimed at lessening trauma for victims of domestic abuse was launched at Dundee Sheriff Court.
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