A housebuilder has raised over £1,800 to help a Dumbarton charity support women and children who have experienced or are at risk of domestic abuse.
Kind-hearted staff at Miller Homes have been raising money and collecting Christmas gift donations for Dumbarton District Women’s Aid.
Liz Gillespie, co-ordinator at Dumbarton District Women’s Aid, was joined by Louise Caldwell, Miller Homes sales director Scotland west, to receive the generous gifts.
Liz said: “We’re extremely thankful for the support from Louise and the rest of her team at Miller Homes.
“Sadly, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our services in recent years.
“Covid-19 has exacerbated the situation even further with an increase of 60 percent in referrals.
“The fundraising efforts and donations will help us support women and children in the area who need our help.”
Last week, the Lennox Herald reported how the charity has seen a huge spike in referrals which came as West Dunbartonshire recorded the second worst rate of domestic abuse in Scotland.
Anew Scottish Government report shows there were 168 incidents of domestic abuse recorded in the region by the police per 10,000 people in 2020/21 – well above the national average of 119.
Dumbarton District Women’s Aid has supported over 290 families and 156 children this year alone.
With demand for the services at an all-time high, only 30 percent of requests received for refuge are able to be satisfied, resulting in referrals to local homeless services where Women’s Aid can provide outreach support.
Louise Caldwell said: “We’re honoured to be raising funds for Dumbarton District Women’s Aid this Christmas.”
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