Police present cheque to domestic abuse charity

District commander for Adur and Worthing, Chief Inspector Jo Banks and PCSO Ann-Marie Rushworth attended the Safe in Sussex charity shop in Broadwater Street West, Worthing, to hand over a cheque.

The money has come from the Proceeds of Crime Act Fund, which is made up of money received by the police from property confiscated by order of the courts and then sold.

Safe in Sussex offers advice, support, refuge, awareness and education for women, children and young people across Sussex and the south coast. The charity has two refuges that provide safe temporary accommodation for women and their children escaping domestic abuse.

Chief Inspector Banks said: “We are delighted to be supporting Safe in Sussex with this donation. It is sometimes difficult for people to recognise that the way their partner is behaving towards them is actual abuse and is not acceptable. We ask people to talk to us in confidence by calling us at any time, or if they can’t talk to us, then talk to someone.

“Abuse is something you do not have to put up with. This is a widespread social problem that affects a variety of people but there is a lot of help available, not only from Sussex police.”

Tracie Church, chair of Safe in Sussex, said: “Safe in Sussex has big plans for the future. Our charity has been providing refuge and support since 1977 for women and children suffering at the hands of domestic abuse. Formerly Worthing Women’s Aid, we re-branded and launched as Safe in Sussex in November 2013 to recognise the work we will deliver throughout the county.

“We will continue to work with partners such as the police to eradicate domestic abuse and we are very grateful for this donation, which is recognition for our past work and also our plans for the future.

“We will be launching many new projects and initiatives in the coming months, building on our existing work in the community via facilitated group work including in schools and more and this donation will go towards funding this.”

For advice and support visit www.sussex.police.uk or call 101.

Safe in Sussex helpline can be contacted Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm on 01903 231939 or email www.safeinsussex.org