One in Twelve - Alicia’s Story

On 23rd July 2024, the first National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls was published. The report highlights that at least 1 in 12 women will be victims of male violence each year, though the real number is likely higher. We are committed to ensuring this report - and the truths it reveals - are not forgotten. For every newsletter, we ask one of the women who has recently used WMWA’s services to tell their story.

This month we share the story of a survivor who escaped a controlling and abusive relationship while caring for three young children, including a newborn baby and a child with additional needs.

Feeling isolated, financially controlled and unsure where to turn, she contacted West Mercia Women's Aid and, with support from our team, was able to create a safety plan, access refuge accommodation and begin rebuilding her life. One of the most significant steps in her recovery was regaining control of her finances after experiencing financial abuse.

Today, she and her children are safe, and she is looking towards the future with renewed confidence and hope.

Read her powerful story and learn how specialist support helped her and her family create a safer future.

Supporting Research to Improve Services for LGBTQ+ Survivors

In May, our CEO Sue Coleman attended a research showcase at the University of Worcester, where WMWA placement student Chloe Wooding presented her Master's research exploring LGBTQ+ survivors' experiences of accessing domestic abuse support services.

Chloe's research examines the barriers LGBTQ+ survivors can face when seeking help, alongside practitioners' experiences of supporting them. The study aims to identify opportunities to improve inclusivity, accessibility and understanding across domestic abuse services.

We're proud to be supporting Chloe through her placement with WMWA and look forward to seeing the outcomes of this important work. By listening to the experiences of both survivors and professionals, research like this helps ensure support services continue to evolve and meet the needs of all those affected by domestic abuse.

Read more about Chloe's research and why it matters.

Happy 3rd Birthday Bear!

May was a special month at Hereford Refuge as our much-loved therapy dog, Bear, celebrated his third birthday!

Since becoming an accredited therapy dog, Bear has made an incredible difference to the children and young people living in refuge. Whether he's providing comfort during difficult moments, joining children on walks, helping them feel more confident in support sessions, or simply offering cuddles and companionship, Bear's calming presence brings smiles and reassurance every day.

Children who arrive at refuge have often experienced significant trauma and upheaval. Bear helps them feel safe, settled and supported, providing a familiar and comforting friend during a challenging time. His gentle nature encourages communication, emotional expression and confidence, while creating opportunities for children and parents to share positive experiences together.

We're incredibly grateful for the joy, comfort and therapeutic support that Bear brings to so many families.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Bear, and thank you for being such an important member of the WMWA team!

Could You Take on the Three Rivers Challenge?

We're excited to announce our latest fundraising adventure- the Three Rivers Challenge- taking place from 18–20 September 2026.

Organised in partnership with Your Adventure Challenge, this unique event will see participants canoe sections of the River Severn, River Avon and River Wye, covering approximately 25.5 miles across the three counties where West Mercia Women's Aid delivers services.

Whether you're looking for a personal challenge, a team-building experience with friends or colleagues, or simply a new adventure, there's an option to suit you. You can take part in a single day's challenge or complete all three rivers across the three days.

No previous canoeing experience is required. Training, equipment, qualified guides and transport arrangements are all included, making this an accessible challenge for people of all abilities.

Every paddle stroke will help raise funds for the women, children and families we support across West Mercia, helping us provide specialist domestic abuse services, safe accommodation, recovery programmes and support for children and young people.

Whether you take on one river or all three, you'll be helping to create safer futures for survivors across our communities.

Hereford City Youth Council: Putting Young People’s Safety at the Heart of Change

In May, we were pleased to support an important piece of work being led by the Hereford Youth Council and Rural Media's POV Project, exploring how safe young people feel when moving around the city.

The project has already gathered the views of more than 200 young people aged 16+, with findings highlighting significant concerns around personal safety, particularly for young women and girls.

As part of the consultation, our CEO Sue Coleman was invited to provide expert comment on the findings. Reflecting on the results, Sue highlighted the worrying number of young women who reported changing their behaviour to avoid sexual harassment or avoiding going out after dark in order to feel safe.

Sue said:

"It is completely unacceptable that young women feel concerned in this way and have to modify where they go and what they do in order to feel safe and free from abuse."

We are encouraged to see young people leading conversations about safety in their communities and look forward to reading the final report when it is published. We are also excited about opportunities to work with the Hereford Youth Council in the future, including helping young people better understand the links between gender-based violence, harassment and abuse.

Together, we can help create communities where everyone feels safe, respected and free to be themselves.