Deborah Jones set up the Lotus support group in 2021 and said the centre acted as a “haven and a listening ear” for women experiencing domestic abuse.
“It’s a massive crisis we’re facing, and we’re tyring our hardest to keep open. Charities and other organisations are going for the same funding pots, and there just isn’t enough out there to meet the need.”
Jones said that larger organisations had more resources to compile their bids for government funding, giving them advantages over smaller services like Resolute Women’s Centre that carry out work “on the ground”.
Lisa, a regular attendee at the drop-in sessions, was a victim of domestic violence for three years.
“Everything you need support with, Debbie’s done, and the girls from Lotus.”
She was given counselling and practical support to navigate the courts process.
“If it wasn’t for Resolute I wouldn’t be here.”
Her abuser was sentenced to 13 months in prison for actual bodily harm and property damage. Lisa was granted a three-year restraining order against her former partner.
Vida’s leadership also blamed the funding system for its closure in Sheffield, and the sector has given warnings about its reliance on grant awards which may not be renewed.
The charity, which needed about £250,000 a year to operate, had sought a fresh source of income after failing to win a new National Lottery grant following an award last year.
Sheffield City Council had previously been asked to fund the charity’s work, but the authority said it could not do so, though resources to support women were invested in a range of organisations.
In general, domestic violence support groups are funded through a combination of different statutory and non-statutory sources, including central government, Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities, as well as charitable trust and grant-giving organisations. Many make appeals for public donations.
