Theresa May MP listened to survivors of domestic abuse and learned about the impact of Dash services when she paid the team a visit.

CEO Nicola Miller invited Mrs May, who is one of The Dash Charity’s local MPs, to meet a woman who was supported by the charity and had previously stayed at one of its refuges.

Nicola was joined at the charity’s Maidenhead premises by Vice-Chair of Trustees Ginette Gower, IDVAs Natalie Attfield and Ewelina Mlynarek, and Helpdesk Co-ordinator Lauren Taylor in welcoming Theresa May, who takes a strong interest in support for victims of domestic abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Mrs May spent time meeting with and listening to the stories of people with lived experience of domestic abuse and asked insightful questions about the charity’s work across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.

She listened with interest to details of Dash’s new tailored support for older people experiencing domestic abuse, its diverse communities IDVA, and the helpdesk that provides a lifeline for people seeking safety and advice.

Theresa’s May’s government introduced the Domestic Abuse Bill in 2019. The bill completed the parliamentary process and passed into law as the Domestic Abuse Act in 2021.

The passing of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 enshrined a Government definition of domestic abuse, meant that “emotional” and “economic” abuse were included in that definition for the first time.

Nicola Miller, Chief Executive of The Dash Charity, was pleased to welcome Theresa May to Dash:

“I am very proud of our team and the way they were able to answer all her questions to explain the impact of what we do.

“She clearly remains very committed to this issue and cause, which is why I was thrilled that she made time to come and see us, so we could keep her updated on developments we’re making across the community.”