Domestic Abuse doesn’t STOP for Christmas…

Most of us look forward to Christmas – a break from work, feet up in front of the fire, spending time with family and friends, good food, good company and presents – what’s not to like?

At Women’s Aid, however, we know that women who are subjected to domestic abuse face fear, isolation and pain in their home all year round. Christmas can be the most dangerous time for women and their children. Financial pressures exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, trying to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas and being cooped up together for long periods of time can be not only stressful but dangerous if you are isolated at home with your abuser. Women and children will also be forced to leave their homes and spend Christmas in our refuges.

We need your support…

We want to help these women and their children to enjoy a safe Christmas free from abuse. You can help make this possible by pledging a donation to our appeal. The money you donate will be shared among those staying in our refuges and being supported in the community, and may be used to buy gifts or shop vouchers for the women, children and young people who need our support during the winter months. We want to ensure that no woman or child engaged with our service will go without this festive season.

We are asking you to donate money through our JustGiving Christmas Campaign page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/blwafestive2023 or to buy vouchers and send them to us.

We have also set up an emergency fund for heat and light (via Enthuse) to help women struggling with energy costs through the festive period. You can donate here: https://belfastwomensaid.enthuse.com/emergencyfundblwaxmas23

If you run a business or work for a company who might be looking for a chosen charity this Christmas, we would love you to consider fundraising for our appeal. You can even set up a fundraising page linking directly to this appeal! We also encourage you to get involved in the appeal by having some festive fun! Why not host a donate-to-enter Christmas jumper competition, a virtual festive quiz with your colleagues, or even a Christmas-themed bake-off or bake sale.

However you choose to support our appeal, we’d love to see photos and give you a shout-out on our social media channels. Tag us on:

• Instagram – @belfastwomensaid
• Facebook – @belfastwomensaid  
• Twitter – @WomensaidBelLis