We are all acutely aware of the cost-of-living crisis that looms over the nation. As the summer fades and autumn begins to show its colours, a lot of us are facing tough choices around heating our homes and managing financially. Again, it is those who are most vulnerable that face the harshest of choices.
Women’s Aid recently published a report into the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis, it found that the crisis is preventing women from fleeing domestic abuse. Their survey in June 2022 found that:
- 96% of respondents had seen a negative impact on the amount of money available to them as a result of the cost-of-living increases.
- 66% of survivors reported that cost of living increases are being used as a tool for coercive control, including to justify further restriction in accessing their money.
- A staggering 73% of women who were living with or had financial links to their abusers reported the cost-of-living crisis had either prevented them from leaving or made it harder for them to leave.
Financial independence is one of the key factors in supporting a survivor to leave an abusive relationship. An abuser may prevent a victim from working, manage all the finances, and limit or prevent a victim from accessing money. This economic control forms part of many victims’ experiences of domestic abuse. The financial disadvantage means that victims face further barriers when trying to leave and rebuild their lives. We are really starting to see the rise in cost of living further compound this, making it even harder to escape the abuse. Survivors are left with the most unimaginable choices; Heating and eating or abuse and isolation.
Survivors who are being supported by The Elm Foundation have echoed many of the concerns highlighted by the Women’s Aid survey. Our clients are worried about paying rent, keeping warm and feeding their children. How they will keep on top of ongoing living costs on a single income or through benefits? They are worried about debt, and some are even considering returning to their abusive partners because of not being able to manage the soaring rise in costs.
It is not only survivors who are facing tough choices due to the cost-of-living crisis. The Elm Foundation manages 4 refuges, accommodating both women and men fleeing domestic abuse. The cost of heating these safe havens has significantly increased and we expect further increases into the autumn and winter. Currently the government Warm Home discount scheme does not include domestic abuse refuges. Rising utility bills are having a crushing impact on our outgoings and we are facing some tough decisions when budgeting for our services going forward.
For survivors and domestic abuse support services to manage, we need to see financial and practical support put in place to help. Things like mortgage and rent holidays, support to pay for essential everyday items and bills. We need to see practical support that enables survivors to escape, such as funding for housing options.
The Elm Foundation supports Women’s Aids call for:
- An emergency domestic abuse fund to support survivors through the crisis period.
- Reduced energy costs for all refuges during the cost-of-living crisis. This includes extending the remit for the Warm Home Discount Scheme to include refuges.
- Better provision of legal services for survivors, fairer access to legal aid and other advocacy services.
As a charity, The Elm Foundation is fortunate to be part of a generous community across Derbyshire. We are grateful for all the donations we receive that directly help our service users. We are also thankful for the support we receive from our partners across the wider community.
If you want to help, you can make a money donation to The Elm Foundation via our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/the-elm-foundation or if you have items you wish to donate, please ring the Helpline on 08000198668.
Alternatively, you can help by supporting the following local services that we access:
Life House Church on Chatsworth Road – for school uniform donations
Baby Basics Chesterfield always welcomes donations of baby items such as clothes , Moses’ baskets, nappies etc https://baby-basics.org.uk/
Gussies Pantry at St Augustine’s church also take clothes as they have a clothes bank and also food bank
Salvation Army do starter packs for clients starting up after leaving refuge. Donations of new items such as toiletries etc
Clay Cross Food bank and Chesterfield Food bank
The Edge Centre in Tupton have a school uniform pop-up shop, where school uniforms can be donated.
It is always worth contacting any organisation first to check what they need; some charities now have policies for new items only as a result of covid.
If you are worried about your own safety or concerned someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, contact the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline for information, advice and support: Call: 08000198668, Text Number: 07534 617 252 people can also access the website for email and chat: https://www.derbyshiredomesticabusehelpline.co.uk/
