Is there anything you can do to help abused women?

Umpteenthed

A cause close to my own heart, I absolutely agree.

Agree.

Can I also point out that there a a lot of women who are in the same position (Some have to go into hiding and are essentially cut off from the world.Unable to register, unable to vote, unable to gain credit or even claim certain benefits) because of childhood sexual abuse and are terrified of the revenge from disclosing the abuse.

I don't want to highjack the thread but they face the exact same issues

cozie it really would make such a difference.

I guess the person who bought a few pounds worth of toiletries won't even remember they did it now, but for me and my children it meant the world and I'll never forget.

Even though that person didn't know who they were donating to they made me feel like a human again for the first time in a very long time.

Agreed

Totally behind this - was only when reading up on MN that I realised just how abusive an ex was - and that no, it's not just one of those things.

Link for finding a local service that will take donations

www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory/

Absolutely behind this.

I donated a load of clothes, many with tags still on to my local refuge recently but would love to help in other ways.

Elsa

Absolutely

I'm afraid that such boxes just haven't been on my radar, Elsa. I, also, could put one together each month and they would be donated with much care and love. Your words about the value of help to you almost hurt. It seems like such a modest thing to make such a difference.

Another one who agrees, and thank you for raising this.

I've seen the boxes that can be sent to refuges for women with toys and toiletries but they don't run for a long period of time. I would happily put one together monthly - I know that's a small thing, but something alongside the more prominent issues op addresses.

When I got to the refuge I had nothing at all bar a few clothes that I had managed to stuff in a bag.

The refuge provided my children with some donated clothes, some donated toys, they even had someone call and donate a pram which they gave to me.

I also received a parcel with toothbrushes and toothpaste, some soap and deodorant, a hairbrush and shampoo and conditioner.

I sat that night and sobbed my heart out at the generosity of the people who had donated those toiletries and their clothes and toys.

It may seem like a small thing to do, but for the women who receive those donations it means everything.

Agree and thank you Need for raising this awareness

Excellent idea for a campaign. Whilst I knew about DV before I joined MN, the threads on here have been a real eye opener to the absolute horror that some people go through on a daily basis.

What with less and less funding going to Women's Aid and similar, we definitely should do something. Thanks MNHQ for being quick!

Completely agree

Is there anything that we as posters can perhaps band together and do? Love strawberry's idea

YES!

Agreed! Also agree with the pp who posted about it being UK-wide, not just England.

Has been a lifeline for me , thank you Op

Great idea

If you do run a campaign or find something, could you please ensure its for the whole Uk and not just England ? Women are abused in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland too

Yes, what can we do ?

It's a yes from me

I've seen the boxes that can be sent to refuges for women with toys and toiletries but they don't run for a long period of time. I would happily put one together monthly - I know that's a small thing, but something alongside the more prominent issues op addresses.

Adding my support too!

Like PPs have said, mumsnet was such a support to me when I was leaving an abusive relationship. This is a great idea.