WMWA Newsletter, June 2025

Welcome to our June newsletter!

As we look back on June and move into July, one year has passed since the National Policing Report labelled violence against women and girls as an epidemic. While headlines may have shifted, we haven’t forgotten - and we remain firmly focused on supporting survivors and driving real change to prevent domestic abuse.

In this issue, we reflect on the report one year on, share the next story in our powerful One in Twelve survivor series, and highlight our plans for summer support groups for children and young people. We’re also proud to announce the launch of a new community-based domestic abuse service in Worcestershire in partnership with Worcester Community Trust, and the opening of a new dedicated Helpline in Shropshire.

We’re celebrating a new fundraising partnership with the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, whose support will benefit our work with children and young people. And finally, we’re inviting survivors to share their feedback, helping shape services for the future.

Thank you for your continued support,

From the West Mercia Women's Aid Team!

National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women & Girls –
Revisited

One year on from the report’s launch, West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA) is still as committed as ever to amplifying the voice of survivors and sharing news of the work we are doing to influence change.

Sue Coleman, said of the National Policing Statement: “To have the Police describe Violence Against Women and Girls as an issue of epidemic proportions in the UK was a stark reminder of how widespread this is and how we must condemn it as completely unacceptable. But - as with so many public announcements - this news was quickly eclipsed by other national and international issues, and what was a landmark report was soon forgotten. But we have not forgotten. Because we see the reality of that epidemic, day in, day out."

Find out more

One in Twelve - Julie'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. One year on, we stay committed to ensuring this report - and the truths it reveals - are not forgotten.

Julie's story explores the reality that - for many victims of domestic abuse – behaviour which, in the beginning, can seem flattering and caring can quickly turn into jealously and possessiveness and evolve into violence and intimidation.

Read Julie's Story

New Helpline open in Shropshire!

On the 1st July we 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.

Helen Richardson, Head of Client Services at WMWA said, “We’re really excited to be able to offer a dedicated Freephone number for Shropshire residents, providing free domestic abuse support to all those in the county. The Helpline already offers listening support and advice to over 1,000 West Mercia victim/survivors, related family and professionals every month, allowing people to access confidential support."

Read full article

Support for Young People Over the Summer Holidays

Since launching in 2022, our Children and Young People's Team’s summer groups have become a vital part of our work, offering support, connection, and positive experiences for vulnerable children and young people during the summer holidays.

This summer, we’re delivering five intensive programmes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, including Helping Hands for ages 7–11 and CRUSH for ages 12–19. These condensed group sessions provide the same impactful content as our term-time programmes in a more flexible format and help us meet demand for support.

Read the full article

Support from Widow's Sons Masonic Bikers Association

Last month marked the launch of an exciting new fundraising partnership - and what a fantastic start it was! The Taurus Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association, have decided to support West Mercia Women's Aid as their chosen charity for 2025!

It means so much to have the backing of a largely male group standing alongside us in raising awareness of domestic abuse, championing the need for specialist support and advocating for change. We’re especially grateful that they will be raising vital funds to support our work with children and young people affected by domestic abuse - helping us offer safety, hope, and a brighter future.

Support our work!

Safe Smart Signing: Deaf Inclusion for Domestic Abuse Support

A team of researchers at the University of Wolverhampton and Lancaster University have partnered with West Mercia Women’s Aid, SignHealth, and West Midlands Police to explore how D/deaf British Sign Language (BSL) signers who are victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse experience accessing the criminal justice system and support services.

If you would be interested in taking part, full details can be found on the leaflet below.

See information leaflet

Worcestershire Community-Based Domestic Abuse Support Service

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Worcester Community-Based Abuse Support Service in partnership with Worcester Community Trust (WCT).

WMWA and WCT will provide a community-based domestic abuse service that promotes local access to a full range of support, allowing specialist domestic abuse workers to deliver help directly in the community. The service will offer confidential support to those affected by domestic abuse across Worcestershire and includes one-to-one personalised support and local peer group sessions, as well as access to the safe accommodation and refuge, and high-risk advocacy to give specialised support already in place in the county.