Sunday, January 07, 2007

Running for Refuge

Some facts about domestic violence:

  • 1 in 4 women experiences domestic violence at some point in their lives
  • 2 women are killed each week by a current or former partner
  • Domestic violence kills more 19-44 year old women than anything else - more than cancer or road accidents
  • In 90% of domestic violence incidents in families, children are in the same or the next room and in 50% of these cases, children are directly abused themselves

Until 35 years ago, the vast majority of women in these situations had no choice but to stay in the relationship. Then in 1971 Erin Pizzey opened the world's first women's refuge in Chiswick, west London.

Today, Refuge operates a network of safe houses offering emergency accommodation to 900 women and children at any one time. Demand always exceeds supply, yet they still manage to offer their lifeline to up to 80,000 people a year.

They also have an outreach service to support women when they move on from the refuge and they ensure that all their services are culturally specific.

Together with another organisation, Women's Aid, they operate a free 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline providing emotional and practical support.

0808 2000 247

This year, G's running the London marathon in aid of Refuge. They rely on charitable donations and are constantly struggling to raise funds for their services - even though those services can and do save lives!

If you would like to sponsor G and help make a difference, you can donate directly here.

Thank you!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Having already met Greg (and his running legs) I can assure you that this sincere and lovely man would run around the world if he thought it would make a difference.
Donating is painless - do it!

Debi said...

Living with Running Man in the buildup to the marathon is far from painless!

Could we next year sponsor him NOT to run please???

Anonymous said...

Refuge is definitely a charity worth sponsoring.

I've lived with domestic violence (no, not Richard, in case anybody should be wondering) and the fact is that in most cases, there are no visible PHYSICAL signs. Emotional abuse can be equally as destructive as physical abuse and abusers are often the type of people that others would never suspect. Domestic violence can happen to women (and men) anywhere in the world, and within any class or race. In fact, it's often found where you'd least expect it.

If Greg is willing to run around London for this cause (and Debi is having to live with the fall out), the least the rest of us can do is sponsor him in doing it. C'mon on folks... do it now!

Meloney Lemon said...

Aaaaaaaa...Choooooo.Cough cough. Those tiny domestic agressors are out to getcha, Greg. Looking forward to seeing your immune system prevail in April.

Debi said...

Meloney! Have you really just called me a tiny domestic aggressor?

Actually ... I think I quite like it ...

Unknown said...

Heh, heh!

Unknown said...

An amazing cause to support. Bit worried about the tiny domestic aggressor though - with or without spell check!
Go G, go - running the marathon, that is!
;-)

Confucious Trevaskis said...

I quite like the idea of a domestic aggressor.....but then I would.....

Well done to Greg!

Anonymous said...

What a Top Couple - who do tons for local community, well deserve sponsoring!! Will be in touch well soon. Love Janet & Bradley
xx