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New dawn for domestic violence charity

Lorraine Saunders and Nadia Parry (right)

A support group for domestic violence victims is planning to help more people than ever this year and set up its first shop.

Dawn's New Horizon was set up by Lorraine Saunders in 2006 originally as a telephone support line, and also has a website and leaflets. Now Mrs Saunders is hoping to set up one and ideally two shops - one in Norwich and one in Taverham or Thorpe Marriott. But they need people to help with fundraising, and in particular to donate items for their table-top sales.

Mrs Saunders, 43, who is married with three children, works for the Citizen's Advice Bureau and lives in Lakenham. She said: “Dawn's New Horizon has grown and grown over the past few years but this year is going to be the year that we make the biggest impact.“We want to open a community shop which will have lots of information on domestic violence and how people can access services. The profits will go to organisations like Victim Support, Rape Crisis and Leeway. It can look like they are dropping in to a charity shop and they can go out the back for counselling and information.”

The organisation works with different agencies and is usually able to arrange free counselling for victims through one of its partner organisations. Victims can also be sent on free courses, such as first aid or self-defence, where appropriate. They have around 20 volunteers and help around 500 people a year, a quarter of whom are men.

Mrs Saunders, who named the charity after her middle name and because it carries a message of hope, says that men are domestic violence victims as well. She said: “Men are more likely to get in touch through the website. One man emailed saying it was an enormous help because as a man he thought it was just something he had to put up with.”

She said the World Cup this summer had led to a rise in cases of domestic violence. “It seemed to be the World Cup that was making people angry and then their partners were getting hit. A lot of it is the drinking. They would phone up and say 'We had a big argument because England lost and he hit me.' It is very sad. I am glad I am here to help.”

? If you have anything you wish to donate or wish to hire a table for £5 then please get in contact on 0844 884 3140. The first sale is on August 21 from 2pm-5pm at Clover Hill Village Hall, Norwich. The helpline is the same telephone number, or visit www.domestic-violence-norwich.org.uk.

? Is your organisation expanding? Contact Evening News reporter Sarah Brealey on 01603 772485 or email sarah.brealey@archant.co.uk.