Is there anything you can do to help abused women?

[NeedACleverNN]

A thread has caused me to think that something needs to change for women who are suffering domestic abuse.

At the moment there is not enough support. 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.

This is disgusting. Why are women being let down in society and their abusers are getting away with it?

On top of this, many refuges are closing down to lack of funding. Is there anything MNHQ can do to help?

Your website is a beacon for women. It provides a lot of support and advice to those seeking it. You could potentially be a very powerful voice to the public

Behind this all the way

Count me in.

Yes.

Agreed.

Brilliant idea!

Totally agree.

Adding my support also.

Another vote here!

Just wanted to add my support too

Agreed

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

Adding my support too!

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.

Yes, what can we do ?

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

Has been a lifeline for me , thank you Op

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

YES!

Completely agree

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

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

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.

Agree and thank you Need for raising this awareness

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.

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

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.