The Dash Charity is tackling the growing crisis of domestic abuse affecting children and young people, thanks to new funding from BBC Children in Need, the King Cullimore Charitable Trust, and Slough CVS. These vital grants will support our work with children who are direct victims of domestic abuse and expand our prevention and education programmes for young people.
BBC Children in Need funding, which is becoming increasingly competitive with only 1 in 8 applications being successful, will provide a specialist Children’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) in our refuge houses for the next three years. This role is a lifeline for children navigating the trauma of abuse.
Grants from the King Cullimore Charitable Trust and Slough CVS will further enable us to reach more children and young people, including those waiting for support.
Last year, over 100 children across Berkshire and South Bucks were referred to us for 1:1 specialist support, but demand continues to rise. We now run a waiting list, working tirelessly to ensure no child is left without help.
The national picture highlights the scale of the issue: an estimated 160,000 children in England are living in abusive households, yet 92% of them receive no direct advocacy support.
The growing demand for children’s mental health services mirrors the urgent need for domestic abuse support services for children.
“Children are as much victims of domestic abuse as adults, and they urgently need recognition and support. These grants are a lifeline, helping us tackle the crisis, but more funding is still needed to meet demand and reduce waiting times,” says Claire Batchelor, Advocacy & Outreach Services Manager at The Dash Charity.
Without timely intervention, children living with abuse may face long-term challenges, including trauma-related behavioural issues and difficulties at school.
The Dash Charity is committed to ensuring every child gets the help they need, but sustained support from funders and the government is critical to meet the growing demand.
If you would like to support our work with children and young people, find out more here.
