ActionAid Shelters – How you could help survivors of violence this Christmas
For many people, Christmas is a time to welcome family and friends into our homes to celebrate the festive season. Bringing loved ones together under one roof can create so much joy. But for women suffering from domestic violence, especially at this time of year, it can bring absolute tragedy.
This Christmas, can you support survivors of abuse with a gift to ActionAid?
We are providing safe spaces for women to stay in the aftermath of violence. Our local teams are making sure that women who have survived abuse have access to vital counselling to deal with the impact the abuse has had on the lives of them and their family, as well as legal representation to bring about justice.
Irene’s story: through adversity to strength
Irene is a 42-year-old widow, who for years was subjected to the most extreme forms of physical and emotional abuse imaginable at the hands of her husband. One day he became so violent towards Irene that he beat her to unconsciousness and set fire to all her belongings. “Afterwards I could not walk with the pain,” she says.
The police refused to arrest him without being paid. But Irene had absolutely nothing left – not even a change of clothes for her children.
Irene heard about ActionAid’s shelter in Amuru, Uganda. Our staff took her in, making sure her wounds were treated and supporting her with counselling and legal advice. Despite her extremity of what Irene was put through, her story is one of hope: with the support of ActionAid, her husband was arrested and sentenced to jail.
Irene is safe now, thanks to the generosity of ActionAid supporters who are funding our vital work. help. She bravely wanted to share her story and said:
“I want other women to know that there is help for them too.”
How your support can save lives this Christmas
Last year, we supported 976 survivors of gender-based violence in Uganda. Our shelters are at the heart of this. They are places of refuge and relief for women and children fleeing violence at home, who often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs.
No woman or child should suffer the abuse that Irene and her children experienced, which is why we run shelters – like the one in Amuru – , in the most marginalised communities around the world.
With your support, we can provide essential items including emergency food, soap and sanitary products, to ensure survivors have all the basics they need as they start to rebuild their lives. We also provide counselling, legal support and safe accommodation, and ensure that survivors receive medical attention for any physical injuries they may have suffered.
Will you help support survivors of gender-based violence when they have nowhere else to turn?
How your donation will be used
Every donation counts and we’re grateful for whatever you can afford. From providing shelter for women experiencing gender-based violence, essential emergency items such as food and sanitary products, as well as counselling and legal aid, your support could ensure the safety of women and children fleeing violence.
*Your donation will fund ActionAid’s work with women and girls wherever the need is greatest. All of our audited accounts are available to view here, as well as details on our finances.
