On average, a woman has experienced domestic violence for over 7 years before reaching Solace services. In those 7 years, they may have experienced physical violence, coercive control and emotional manipulation leaving women with low self-esteem and confidence, mental health problems, PTSD as well as physical scars. Girls who've witnessed or experienced this violence during their developmental years can go on to experience behavioural issues later on.

This funding will increase our capacity to respond to the needs of survivors, reducing the time it takes for women and girls to reach Solace and our life-saving, vital support. We will be able to answer more phone calls on our Advice line, provide more therapeutic support and expand our prevention work with young girls to ensure sustainable change and prevent future abuse and violence.