Woman's Trust - woman looking at phone

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to making sure that our website is as accessible as it can be.

We have made the site as usable as we can, but if there may be a way to improve your experience if you have specific needs. For example, you can change the colours, font, and text size to suit you.

For help customising your experience using accessibility features already on your computer, or by installing extra assistive technologies, try these sites:

We last undertook a major transformation of our website in 2018.

As part of this, we looked into the following areas:

  • Whether or not to have an audio reader (research indicated most users with this need would have existing software on their computers).
  • Whether or not to have a function where people could increase or decrease font/content size (again, our findings at the time were that people would likely have this software, if needed).
  • Using links and ensuring the website was signposted as clearly as possible throughout and across different platforms. (This was taken forward to ensure a seamless user journey for all visitors and will be reviewed and audited periodically.)
  • Using a combination of different types of content (done).
  • Ensuring we used non-technical language/Plain English across the site (done and continually under review).
  • Adding reading times to article (explored for case studies).
  • Ability read on mobile and tablets (full desktop and mobile functionality were built into the new site as standard).
  • Ability to change from full content to readability mode in mobile (done).
  • Colour use (we insisted on this as part of the design process and will review it periodically).

 

We aim to test the website for accessibility every 12 – 18 months. The next audit will be in early 2020.

We welcome feedback about our website and if you have any comments or suggestions, please email trustee@womanstrust.org.uk


Welcome - Woman's Trust - London, domestic abuse, domestic violence, mental health

Service update - counselling and group therapy available

Coronavirus: service update – we are open for referrals for counselling and group therapy

We are committed to doing what we can to continue providing vital mental health support for survivors, during and beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Our confidential, one-to-one counselling is now being delivered by phone. And we are running our group therapy sessions online via video. This means that women can still access support, and it also helps to combat feelings of isolation.

We are currently accepting referrals and self-referrals for both our counselling and our support groups. If you would like to make a referral (or register yourself) for either of these services, please contact us.

As part of the registration process, we are continuing to carry out assessments by phone, rather than in person. This will be subject to review as the coronavirus lockdown measures are eased.

Unfortunately, we have had to suspend our self-development workshops. However, we are actively exploring ways that we can run the sessions online. We will also be adding some online resources to our website at a later stage. Please check back for more updates.

The coronavirus lockdown is affecting women in abusive relationships. Our experience and global data indicate that abuse is occuring more often and increasing in severity. Survivors who are no longer with perpetrators are also reporting increasing mental health concerns to us. The lockdown is heightening feelings around anxiety and isolation, in particular.

If you can, please consider supporting us. We have compiled a list of fundraising ideas here.


Urgent fundraising appeal

covid-19 woman's trust emergency fundraising appeal domestic abuse mental health coronavirus pandemic

We have launched an urgent funding appeal.

Domestic abuse has a significant impact on mental health. Over 60% of survivors experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and it's the single biggest cause of depression in UK women. Sadly, more than 20% of women who experience domestic abuse will attempt suicide to escape their trauma.

With reports of increasing domestic violence during the lockdown, there's even greater need for the mental healthcare we provide for survivors. However, we are currently facing a funding shortfall. This could affect our ability to continue providing free and specialist counselling and therapy once the lockdown restrictions are eased.

We expect even more demand for our services

Our services are literally a lifeline for so many women who have experienced domestic abuse. The lockdown hasn’t changed this. If anything, we are experiencing more calls from women for whom the situation is bringing back painful memories of past abuse.

We were already working at full capacity before the Covid-19 lockdown. We now expect to see significant and urgent demand as women struggle to cope with the increased frequency and severity of domestic abuse.

Make a donation today, so we can support survivors together

We are a small, specialist charity working in a niche area of mental health and domestic abuse. This can make it difficult to attract funding. Some of our corporate donors have warned us that we may not receive donations this year. And many of the things our fantastic supporters do to raise money for us aren’t possible right now.

We urgently need your help. Otherwise, women who need support may not be able to access our services.

Please donate if you can. Or, why not take a look at some of our #stayhome fundraising ideas.

 

 

*We have updated this appeal since it was first published.


Woman's Trust and Baukjen collaborate on Charity T-Shirt For International Women’s Day

An image featuring six different women wearing the Baukjen Lilou tee shirt: a collaboration between Baukjen and Woman's Trust for International Women's Dayq

We have partnered with a leading online sustainable womenswear brand for the launch of a new charity t-shirt.

Baukjen, a brand designed by women, for women, has released the Lilou charity T-shirt with us in time for International Women’s Day on 8 March 2020. The T-shirt bears the slogan ‘Solidarity’, a message that reflects our work here at Woman’s Trust; to support and empower women.

Commenting on the partnership Woman’s Trust CEO, Heidi Riedel, said: “We were thrilled when Baukjen approached us about being their charity partner for the Lilou Tee – they have a history of supporting organisations that help vulnerable women and children.

“Money raised from sales of the Lilou Tee will go into helping us deliver more free counselling and therapy for women who have experienced domestic abuse. We are grateful to Baukjen for their support.”

Domestic abuse is the single biggest cause of depression in UK women and has links to substance abuse, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. At Woman’s Trust we have supported more than 15,000 women from across London to address mental health and emotional wellbeing needs caused by abuse. Through our free and tailored counselling, group therapy, and self-development workshops we have provided the equivalent of over £6m in free mental health support; empowering women to rebuild their lives after abusive relationships.

“International Women’s Day is always momentous. It allows us to unite with our customers and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.” says Founder & Creative Director Baukjen De Swaan Arons.

Baukjen continues, “It’s fantastic for us to have the opportunity to partner with such a worthwhile charity like Woman’s Trust, creating positive change for women during their times of need. Our T-shirt is designed to empower.”

Launching as part of the Baukjen SS20 collection, 50% of net proceeds from the sales of the charity tee will be donated to us at Woman’s Trust.

The Lilou T-Shirt, available to buy online via the Baukjen website, comes in sizes UK 6–16 and is priced at £39.

About Baukjen
Baukjen is a contemporary womenswear brand, defined by timeless, foundational pieces. Founded in 2012, by husband and wife team Geoff van Sonsbeeck and Baukjen de Swaan Arons. The company is a firm favourite with fashion’s A-list, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Alexa Chung.


Woman's Trust announces collaboration with global artist and London gallery for No More Week

poster promoting the No More Manfiesto event at SAAS Gallery

 

No More Manifesto - Your invitation to take part in an empowering art experience

Woman's Trust is delighted to announce our involvement in a new project with international artist, film maker and actress, Frederique Feder; and independent London art space SAAS Gallery.

Curated by Lukas Kroulik, the art installation coincides with No More Week - a global initiative to eradicate domestic abuse and sexual violence.

The project was inspired by Frederique’s late mother. As a child, Frederique witnessed the domestic abuse her mother experienced. And she was there when her mother was told to literally  ‘pack a bag and leave’ (with Frederique). This left a lasting impression on Frederique, about how her mum had to pack her whole life into that one bag and start over: an experience she recognises will resonate with many women still today.

It also got Frederique thinking about how people internalise all of the experiences and emotions they are going, or have been through, and carry them around with them on a daily basis. And it is this concept that the art installation explores.

The event launches on 5 March, just ahead of International Women's Day.

More details will be revealed over the coming weeks about the part exhibition; part immersive experience, which has a limited run at SAAS Gallery (111 Cheyne Walk, London SW10 0DJ) until 26 March.

For further information, contact trustee@womanstrust.org.uk


Seasonal Closure

Woman’s Trust office will be closed from 5pm 23rd December, and reopen at 9.30 on 2nd  January.

We know that this time of year can be difficult. If you need some support during this time, here are some numbers you can call.

Samaritans will be available 24/7 throughout the holiday period
☎ 116 123

Maytree will be open from 10am to 6pm on 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and 1st then open 24 hours per day on all other dates
☎ 020 7263 7070

The Listening Place is open 9am-9pm except for the 25th December and 1st January when their lines will be closed.
They will be open from 9am -3:45pm on the 24th and 31st of December
☎ 020 3906 7676

Victim Support are open all day, every day throughout the holidays
☎ 08 08 16 89 111

The freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline will be open 24 hours over the festive period
☎ 0808 2000 247

If you are in danger, please call 999.

 


In Memoriam: Patron Tazeen Ahmad

Woman's Trust Our People Tazin AhmedWe are immensely sad to share the news of the death of our wonderful Patron Tazeen Ahmad, who passed away on Wednesday 6th November, surrounded by her close family and friends.

Tazeen became our Patron in 2016. She had a deep understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on mental and physical health and the work Woman’s Trust does to help women rebuild their lives after abuse. Tazeen was particularly keen to support smaller charities like Woman’s Trust, knowing the difference she could make. Tazeen was an inspiration, and her personal warmth shone through in all she did.

Always ready and willing to help, to advise, and to give her time, she will be greatly missed by all of us at Woman’s Trust. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.


a fun & festive way support woman's trust!

Looking for a fun and festive way to support
Woman's Trust?
Why not take part in one of London's iconic
Santa Runs?

For those of you that work in the City, this years Santa in the City event at
7pm on Thursday 5th December could be right up your street!

The event kicks off on the north side of the Millennium Bridge, with a route that crosses the Thames,
passes Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, and St Paul's Cathedral.

Registration for Santa in the City costs £24.
This price includes your very own Santa Suit, individual running number and medal.
To book, Register here.

Alternatively, the ever festive annual Skyline Santa Run takes place
on Sunday 8th December in Victoria Park.

This is a family friendly event, with a children's run and a costume competition taking place before the main event.

It costs £25 to book a place, which includes a Santa Costume, and entry
to the 5k or 10k run, depending on your preference.
To book, register here.

Both of these events are suitable for new or seasoned runners
as each route is relatively flat.
Both events are a lot of fun, and you can choose to walk, jog or run.


Woman's Trust calls for national debate on the impact of domestic abuse on women's mental health

Woman's Trust - Our People - Sally Field board member

In a letter to MPs ahead of a debate on women’s mental health in the House of Commons, our Chair, Sally Field, said:

“The time for a national conversation on the impact of domestic abuse on mental health is long overdue.”

At Woman’s Trust, we’re well placed to comment on the issue, having provided the equivalent of over £6m in free mental health care since 1996.

Every year we help hundreds of women by providing free one-to-one counselling and group therapy ; which are tailored to the specific needs of people who have been in abusive relationships.

Over the last 20 years, we have:

  • supported over 14,000 women
  • provided over 40,000 hours of free counselling
  • delivered more than 13,300 hours of free group therapy

The economic impact

In a report published earlier this year, the Home Office estimated the cost of domestic abuse to survivors living in England and Wales was around £66 billion for the year ending March 2017, alone. It said the biggest component (£47 billion) was attributable to “physical and emotional harms incurred by victims, particularly the emotional harms (the fear, anxiety and depression experienced by victims as a result of domestic abuse).”

Sally continues: “Mental health and domestic abuse are inextricably linked. Domestic abuse is the single largest cause of depression in UK women. Through our own work, we know that many women who have been in abusive relationships experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); are prone to addiction and substance misuse; and are more likely to contemplate suicide.

“We believe the debate is the perfect opportunity to highlight the association between domestic abuse and women’s mental health. Otherwise, survivors will continue to be let down by policy and regulation which fails to connect the dots between domestic abuse and the impact it has on psychological and emotional wellbeing.

“Further, we need a national strategy to address the gaps in policy and funding. Charities like ours provide free mental health support to hundreds of women every year – and while the demand for our services continues to grow, sustained cuts to statutory funding mean ever-increasing competition for resources.”

Ends

For media enquiries or requests for interview, please contact our Trustee, Nadia Mahmud, on: trustee@womanstrust.org.uk

 

Notes to editors
  • Home Office report  (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772180/horr107.pdf)


Woman’s Trust welcomes appointment of new Domestic Abuse Commissioner

Commenting on the Government’s announcement of its new Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Woman’s Trust CEO Heidi Riedel, said: “It is great to see Nicole Jacobs in this role. Through her background and longevity in the sector she has a deep understanding of the major issues that survivors face – and, more importantly, how domestic abuse impacts on many areas of survivors’ lives.

“Domestic abuse is the leading cause of depression among women here in the UK. It is also a major cause of substance misuse, anxiety, social isolation and many survivors also attempt, or contemplate, suicide. If these issues remain untreated then they can continue to affect survivors lives, family lives, and relationships for years; even after an abusive relationship has ended.

“Until now, Government policy and funding has, understandably, focused on the immediate support that survivors need, in terms of refuges and financial support. More recently, there has been increasing awareness around the non-violent, emotional and psychological forms of abuse. And we sincerely hope that the Government fulfils its promise to include the Domestic Abuse Bill in the next Queen’s Speech.

“But it doesn’t go far enough. There is no national strategy for supporting the mental health of survivors, or funding; yet we see more and more need for our services every year. It’s my hope that with Ms Jacobs now in post the Government will start to connect the dots between domestic abuse and mental health, as well as other areas of support that survivors so desperately need.”