Between April and June 2020, there was a 65% increase in calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, when compared to the first three months of that year. 

The rise in demand made SAFE’s services even more vital. We’re grateful for the support we receive from local organisations. This post originally appeared here. 

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Survivors of abuse across the county will continue to receive the help they need, thanks to a grant of £3,270 from Devonshire Freemasons to the” SAFE” charity (Stop Abuse For Everyone).

Incidents of domestic abuse have risen considerably since the lockdown began, leading to SAFE’s finances coming under strain. SAFE works in the community, in schools, with social services and from their SAFE hub in Exeter employing 12 staff and up to 40 volunteers to help survivors of abuse regain control of their lives.

Abuse can affect any or all the members of a household and helping to eradicate this traumatising, controlling behaviour is at the heart of what they do, centring on goals, strengths and needs of those effected and help them regain control of their lives.

SAFE are passionate about ending abuse both mental and physical and have been working towards this goal for over 40 years and give support to families and individuals throughout Devon. The charity hold courses and also give support on a one to one basis, whatever is needed to end the cycle of abuse for survivors and their families which can be so isolating and lonely for those effected.

The grant from Devonshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.