A SAFE house for women and children could face closure if they do not raise much-needed funds.
Stratford Refuge has supported 32 women and 49 children since it opened its doors in 2014.
And last year £33,000 was raised to keep the safe house open after it was faced with closure for the first time.
This year Stratford Town Trust have donated £15,000 to the charity, but they still need another £21,000 to stay afloat and continue helping domestic violence victims looking to start a new life.
Refuge chief executive, Sandra Horley CBE said: “The Stratford refuge is a vital local service, housing up to five women and their children at any one time.
“This may not sound like much, but without it, these women could have become yet another domestic homicide statistic. Two women are killed every week in England and Wales by a current or former partner.
“One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
“Refuge still needs to raise £21,000 to meet its target to keep this service running and we will be working tirelessly to raise more funds over the coming months.
“In a climate of squeezed local authority budgets, grants like those provided by the Stratford Town Trust and support from generous individuals are vital and we are thankful for support.”
And charity patrol Sir Patrick Stewart OBE, of Star Trek fame, has also spoken out about the potential closure of the service.
He said: “I very much hope that funds can be raised again this year to support this life-saving and life-changing service.
“Without this refuge, abused women may be faced with the stark reality – flee to live rough on the streets with their children, or remain with their abuser and risk further violence – or even worse.
“I witnessed the terrible effects of domestic violence as a child and am hugely heartened by the generosity of the Stratford community in supporting this service.
“Please be generous again, your support could make a real difference to women and children escaping violence and abuse.”
Visit campaign.justgiving.com/charity/refuge/savestratfordrefuge16 to donate or find out more.
