TRACEY GRAY

19 July 2007 10:14

A Norwich woman who founded a helpline for people suffering domestic abuse is hoping to help out dozens more victims.

The Lakenham woman, whose identity is being withheld for her own protection, founded Dawn's New Horizon, a helpline which helps both men and women who are suffering domestic abuse or rape.

The ten volunteers at the helpline offer advice, support and contact details on a number of different issues surrounding domestic violence including homelessness, benefit information, victim support, helplines for violent men, how to leave safely plans, lone parent groups, pregnancy and abortion, male and female rape, solicitors' details and women's aid.

The helpline has been such a success the charity is on the look-out for larger premises.

The mother-of-three has also set up a website and is urging other domestic violence organisations to come forward and post links to their sites from her own.

She said: "We need other organisations to put their numbers on the site so people can see exactly what help is out there for them. We would urge everyone to help us and get their numbers on the site."

A survivor of domestic abuse herself, the woman decided to set up the Dawn's New Horizon helpline a year ago.

With 8,000 reports of domestic violence and more than 400 rapes reported to Norfolk police each year, she says she knows how much the helpline is needed.

She said: "I had been through domestic violence and knew what it felt like, so I thought, right I want to do something about this and help other people, so I started the helpline. Many people only want support or a friendly talk without being judged.

"Since we first started the number of people using it has just grown and grown, which is why we are now able to launch the new website."

Ü Anyone who can help with larger premises for the helpline or wants to get in touch with one of the volunteers for advice can contact Dawn's New Horizon on 0844 884 3140 or email dawnsnewhorizon@btinternet.com

Ü The new website can be found at www.domestic-violence-norwich-org-uk

This artical on this page was taken from the evening news website.

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