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WMWA Newsletter, August 2025
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Welcome to our August newsletter!
As summer draws to an end, we’re reflecting on the activities and achievements that shaped August. In our latest One in Twelve survivor story, we hear first-hand the impact of 'Honour Based Abuse' and welcome the new statutory guidlines as part of the government's pledge to halve violence against women and girls. We share AXA France’s innovative move to recognise domestic abuse as a “risk” in their policies which highlights the importance of systemic change and we’re delighted to share a recap of our summer groups programme for children and young people, and the postive impact they have had.
On the fundraising front, our team has been taking to the water to practice canoeing ahead of our upcoming challenge, and we extend a huge thank you to Amazon in Droitwich for helping us provide essential grab bags for families fleeing abuse. Finally, we’re calling on our supporters to help us raise awareness of our new Helpline in Shropshire - ensuring that those that need our support, know we are here and how to contact us.
Thank you for your continued support,
From the West Mercia Women's Aid Team!
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Children and Young People's Summer Groups
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The Children and Young People’s Team have had another successful summer, jam-packed with the delivery of intensive group-programmes.
We have delivered Helping Hands groups across Hereford, Worcester and Kidderminster. The aim of Helping Hands is to help increase children’s understanding of feeling safe. Specialist support workers explore a range of topics to contribute to a safe environment. Through these groups, we have reached a total of seventeen children and young people, many of whom may have faced barriers to accessing group-programmes during term-time for a variety of reasons.
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| Find out more
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One in Twelve - Shashi'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 is Shashi's story. Shashi bravely explans the harrowing reality of Honour Based Violence. Her story highlights the need for a much better understanding of this type of abuse. For too long, the full scale of these devastating crimes which include ‘honour' motivated killings, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, have not been recognised. We welcome the recent commitment from the government to introduce a statutory definition of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse, which represents meaningful progress towards better safeguarding and ensuring that survivors are properly seen, heard, and supported,
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| Read Shashi's Story
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The outcomes
of specialist training in Herefordshire
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West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA) and West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Advice and Support Centre (WMRASASC) were successful in bidding to develop and deliver training covering both domestic abuse and sexual violence on behalf of Herefordshire Council between May 2024 and May 2025.
This collaborative approach between two local organisations added value to the learners covering both essential topics in one training package whilst acknowledging the overlap in skills needed and ensuring specialist knowledge is available to ensure the best trauma informed experience for victims.
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| Find out more
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Getting ready for our fundraising challenge!
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On Sunday, our incredible fundraising team braved the elements for a training day on the water, building their skills and confidence ahead of the Symonds Yat Challenge on 21st September.
This exciting event will see 14 fundraisers take on an 8-mile canoe journey followed by a 3-hour hike – all with the goal of raising £5,000 to support our vital services.
The training day, organised by Your Adventure Challenge, gave the team the chance to meet one another, learn new techniques, and get a taste of what lies ahead. Despite torrential rain, thunder, and lightning, nothing dampened their spirits. The team finished the day soaked but smiling – and more determined than ever to succeed.
Every mile paddled and every step climbed will make a real difference to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. But we can’t do it without you.
Support our team and help us reach our £5,000 target by donating today. Every contribution, big or small, will help change lives!
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| Donate today!
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Can you help raise awareness for our Shropshire Helpline number?
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In our June newsletter we shared the news that we had launched our new dedicated Helpline number for Shropshire. For those living rurally there can be greater barriers to accessing in-person support. Thanks to funding from Shropshire Council we have been able to introduce a dedicated number for Shropshire and expand our helpline team with an additional domestic abuse specialist.
We have already had a great response from the community, but we need to make sure that everyone who needs us knows we are here. We are asking for help from our supporters by spreading the word with their networks and communities.
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| Can you help?
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Three words that can save lives: An innovation adopted by AXA
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This month, we’re spotlighting AXA’s ground breaking ‘Three Words’ campaign - an inspiring example of how the financial sector can play a vital role in protecting survivors of domestic abuse.
By simply adding the words “and domestic violence” to 3.5 million home insurance policies, AXA France has taken a bold step in reimagining its services. Domestic abuse is now recognised as a risk, just like fire or flood.
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Thank you to Amazon in Droitwich
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We want to say a huge thank you to the Amazon team in Droitwich, who recently took part in a national campaign to support survivors of domestic abuse. As part of this initiative, we met with the Amazon staff team who spent time helping to pack grab bags filled with essential items such as toiletries, food, and comfort items. These bags were then distributed to organisations across West Mercia, including West Mercia Women’s Aid.
Having the chance to work side by side with Amazon staff was a fantastic opportunity to share more about our work, and their practical support will make a real difference to women and children fleeing abuse - providing comfort and dignity at a time when it is needed most.
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